^^^^  ,<Z^L^^^^^--^^ 


STRATFORD'S 


TWO  HUNDRED  AND  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


TWO  HUNDRED  AND  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY 


SETTLEMENT 


TOWN    OF   STRATFORD. 


OCTOBER    3d,    1889. 


COMPILED  BY   DIRECTION  OF  THE  GENERAL  COMMITTEE  OF  ARRANGEMENTS. 


1890. 


2012360 


*ft, 


"SANDY    HOLLOW." 


THE  accompanying  illustration  represents  the  present  appearance  of  the  place 
where  the  first  settlers  established  themselves  in  1639.  It  is  believed  that 
the  first  settlers  sailed  from  Wethersfield  down  the  Connecticut  River,  thence  along 
the  Sound  and  up  the  Housatonic  (then  the  Pootatuck),  landing  in  an  inlet  which 
at  that  time  formed  an  excellent  harbor,  at  the  place  directly  back  of  the  barn 
in  the  illustration.  This  inlet,  since  called  Mac's  Harbor,  is  now  nearly  filled  up 
and  overgrown  with  sedge.  The  boat  seen  in  the  picture  indicates  the  location 
of  a  stream  that  still  remains,  to  show  where  the  former  inlet  ran.  The  old  barn 
stands  on  the  site  of  the  first  "Meeting-house,"  erected  directly  after  the  settlement 
of  the  town,  and  torn  down  in  16»4.  The  "Barrymore"  house,  to  the  left  of  the 
barn,  is  one  of  the  oldest  houses  •  in  the  town,  and  tradition  has  it  that  some  of 
the  beams  from  the  old  "  Meeting-house "  mentioned  above  found  their  way  into  its' 
frame.  The  exact  date  of  the  erection  of  the  house  cannot  be  given.  The  land 
upon  which  it  stands  was,  in  1642,  the  property  of  Nicholas  Knell,  from  whom 
"  Knell's  Island,"  the  land  seen  across  the  river  in  the  illustration,  was  named. 
The  house  of  Rev.  Adam  Blakeman,  the  first  minister,  was  on  the  corner  opposite 
the  barn,   to   the   west.     The   site  does   not  appear  in  the  illustration. 


PREFACE. 


THE  celebration  of  the  250th  anniversary  of  the  settlement  of  the 
Town  of  Stratford,  on  October  3d,  1889,  gave  so  much  pleasure 
to  the  residents  of  the  town,  and  was  so  thoroughly  successful,  that 
there  immediately  arose  a  general  desire  to  preserve  in  some  suitable 
form  a  fitting  memento  of  the  occasion.  Participating  in  this  desire, 
and  conscious  of  a  public  sentiment  which  called  for  some  record  of  the 
proceedings,  which  should  be  available  in  every  household,  the  Gen- 
eral Committee  of  Arrangements  appointed  Messrs.  Howard  J.  Curtis, 
Stiles  Judson,  Jr.,  Thomas  B.  Fairchild,  Frederick  C.  Beach, 
Wilfred  M.  Peck,  and  Samuel  T.  Houghton,  a  Committee  to  compile 
and  publish  in  book  form  a  complete  account  of  the  events  of  the 
day  so  memorable  in  the  town's  history.  Much  time  and  care  have 
been  given  to  make  the  work  attractive  in  appearance,  as  well  as  to 
present  a  correct  statement  of  any  events  connected  with  the  cele- 
bration. The  illustrations  are  mostly  from  photographs  taken  by  one 
of  the  Committee,  Mr.  F.  C.  Beach,  for  which  service  gratuitously 
performed,  his  associates  take  this  opportunity  of  expressing  their 
thanks.  If,  from  these  printed  pages,  and  the  pictures  of  old  and 
easily  recognized  landmarks,  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Stratford  who 
have  gone  thence  into  other  homes ;  or  those  who  still  remain  near 
old  familiar  places,  catch  some  new  appreciation  of  the  attractions  of 
this  "Home,  Sweet  Home,"  of  their  childhood,  the  compilers  will 
feel  that  they  have  not  labored  in  vain. 


TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Preface, vi 

The  Story  of  Stratford, 13 

List  of   House  Lots  and  their  Owners — 1654-1668, 24 

Action  of  the  Town, 27 

Work  of  the  Committees, 28 

Programme  of  the  Day, 31 

Exercises  of   the  Morning, 45 

Arrival  of  Visitors, 46 

Formation  of  the   Parade, 47 

The  Parade, 48 

Dedication  of  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'   Monument, 50 

Address  of  Rev.  I.  M.  Foster, 52 

The  Collation, 65 

Exercises  of  the  Afternoon, 65 

Introductory  Remarks  of  the  President  of  the  Day,       ....  68 

Address  of  Benjamin   T.  Fairchild?  Esq., 69 

Address  of  Rev.  George  W.  Judson, 72 

Address  of  Hon.  Curtis   Thompson, 79 

The  Historical  Tableaux, 91 

The  Loan  Exhibition, 103 

Catalogue  of  the  Loan  Exhibition, 105 

Marking  Historical  Places,            125 

The  Veteran  Association,  and  its  Work, 129 

Report  of  the  Treasurer, 138 

Press  Notices,         , I39 


LIST   OF   ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

Site  of  First  Settlement  (Sandy  Hollow), iv 

Main  Street, 12 

Sketch  of   Major  Andre, I7 

Christ  Church  (1743), 19 

Phelps  House, irj 

Stratford  Academy, 20 

Map   of   Stratford,   1824  (Linslev's). 22 

Map   of   Stratford,   1654  (Swan's), - :; 

Congregational  Church  (1784). 24 

Interior   of   Same, -6 

Walker   House, 32 

Dayton  House,           40 

Methodist  Church, 44 

The  Parade, 48 

Congregational  Church   (1859)            56 

Christ  Church  (1857), 64 

Judson   House  (1723)1 72 

Elm   Street, 

Paradise  Green, 88 

Housatonic  River, 

Moses  Wheeler's  Tombstone, 98 

Freeman  Curtis  House, 104 

Thomas  Wells   House, 124 

Soldiers'  and   Sailors'   Monument, 128 


THE    STORY    OF    STRATFORD. 


THE  precise  date  of  the  first  settlement  of  Stratford  cannot  be  defin- 
itely determined.  Tradition,  which  has  found  its  way  into  his- 
tory, says  that  one  family,  that  of  William  Judson,  settled  here  as  early 
as  1638.  There  can  be  no  doubt,  however,  that  some  time  during  the 
summer,  or  in  the  early  autumn,  of  1639,  a  company  from  Wethers- 
field,  under  the  leadership  of  Eev.  Adam  Blakeman,  gained  the  distinc- 
tion of  First  Settlers  in  Stratford. 

The  name  at  first  given  to  the  settlement  was  Pequannock  ;  some- 
what later  it  was  called  Cupheag,  from  the  name  of  an  Indian  tribe  dis- 
placed by  the  white  planters.  How  it  acquired  the  name  Stratford,  or 
just  when  the  change  of  name  occurred,  is  uncertain,  but  it  is  most 
likely  that  it  was  so  called  after  "  Stratford-on- Avon,"  though  the  tie  (if 
any)  connecting  the  two  cannot  now  be  ascertained.  It  is  claimed, 
however,  by  the  descendants  of  William  Beardsley,  one  of  the  original 
settlers,  that  he  came  from  Stratford-on-Avon.  and  that  through  his 
influence  the  settlement  received  the  name  of  Stratford.  According  to 
Orcutt's  History  of  Stratford,  in  June,  1640,  and  again  in  September  of 
the  same  year,  the  settlement  was  designated  as  Cupheag  upon  the 
records  of  the  General  Court ;  but  in  April,  1643,  it  is  called  Stratford. 

In  Orcutt's  History  already  referred  to,  is  a  very  interesting 
statement  concerning  the  acquisition  of  the  land,  and  the  consequent 
difficulties  with  adjoining  neighbors  on  the  eastern  border. 

The  township  originally  consisted  of  a  tract  of  land  lying  along  the 
west  bank  of  the  Housatonic  Eiver — then  called  the  Pootatuck — in 
length  about  twelve  miles  and  in  width  about  seven,  the  southern  boun- 
dary being  Long  Island  Sound,  distant  from  the  settlement  about  three 
miles. 

New  towns  have  from  time  to  time  been  constituted  out  of  parts  of 
the  original  township,  each  in  its  turn  claiming  from  the  older  settle- 
ment a  large  slice  of  territory ;  but  the  old  town  still  lives. 

The  earliest  settlers  located  in  the  neighborhood  of  "  Sandy  Hol- 
low," clustering  their  dwellings  near  the  Meeting-house  ;  for  our  pious 


14  steatford's  celebration. 

forefathers  thought  it  no  sacrilege  to  use  their  house  of  worship  as  a 
place  of  refuge  and  defence  in  the  case  of  attack  by  the  Indians. 

This  Meeting-house  stood  on  the  site  of  the  barn  of  the  late  Captain 
William  Barrymore,  and  the  first  burial-ground  was  immediately  around 
it.  All  traces  of  this  first  resting  place  of  the  dead  in  Stratford  have 
disappeared ;  although,  when  a  few  years  ago,  a  well  was  sunk  in  the 
neighborhood,  human  bones,  probably  those  of  some  early  settler, 
were  disinterred. 

Coincident  with  the  settlement  of  the  town  was  the  organization  of 
the  Congregational  Church  of  Stratford,  with  Rev.  Adam  Blakeman  as 
pastor.  This  church  celebrated  its  250th  anniversary  a  short  time 
before  the  town  celebration. 

It  is  with  some  complacency,  that  the  native  Stratforder  re- 
counts the  fact  that  this  church  in  Stratford  had  a  bell  with  which  to 
summon  the  godly  to  their  devotions,  while  churches  in  other  localities 
called  their  worshippers  together  by  the  beating  of  a  drum,  or  the  blow- 
ing of  a  horn. 

Stratford  also  claims  distinction  in  having  had  located  here  the 
first  Episcopal  church  erected  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  the  parish  of 
Christ  Church  having  been  organized  in  1707,  and  the  first  church 
having  been  completed  and  opened  for  services  on  Christmas  day,  1723. 

A  Methodist  Episcopal  church  was  also  organized  in  May,  1790, 
it  is  said,  by  Jesse  Lee,  who  then  visited  Stratford  and  formed  a  class, 
which  wras  the  nucleus  of  the  present  society. 

The  first  dwelling  in  Stratford  was  probably  on  the  south-west 
corner  of  "  Academy  Hill,"  where  now  stands  the  house  of  Mr.  John 
Wheeler,  formerly  owned  by  Abner  Judson.  It  is  said  that  William 
Judson  located  his  house  on  this  spot  as  early  as  1638. 

" Academy  Hill "  was  then  known  as  "Watch  House  Hill,"  and 
around  it,  on  the  northern  side,  was  a  stockade  for  protection  against 
the  Indians. 

In  the  selection  of  a  site  for  their  settlement,  our  fathers  were  ex- 
ceedingly fortunate ;  for  the  location  is  certainly  favorable  to  health 
and  longevity.  As  evidence  of  this,  it  was  stated  only  a  few  years  ago, 
that  there  could  be  counted  among  the  residents  along  Stratford  Avenue, 
from  the  corner  of  Main  Street  down  to  "  the  shore,"  twenty-one  persons 
over  the  age  of  seventy  years. 

Few  country  towns  have  undergone  less  change  during  their  exist- 
ence than  Stratford.  Almost  primitive  are  many  of  its  appointments. 
The  old  fashioned  well  sweep  is  not  wholly  extinct,  and  the  recollection 


steatford's  celebration.  15 

of  one,  not  the  oldest  inhabitant,  recalls  the  stocks,  in  which  unruly 
members  of  society  were  made  fast. 

The  quiet  streets  of  this  pretty  country  town,  shaded  by  elm  trees, 
by  whom  or  when  planted  no  historian  has  discovered ;  devoid  of  that 
busy  activity  so  noticeable  in  its  neighbors  adjoining  on  the  east  and  on 
the  west ;  the  almost  total  absence  of  factories  and  mills,  so  generally 
found  in  places  of  like  size ;  the  comfort  and  independence  of  its  in- 
habitants, dwelling  most  frequently  in  homes  owned  by  the  occupants, 
with  but  rarely  a  case  of  extreme  destitution  and  want,  "  where  the 
richest  is  poor  and  the  poorest  live  in  abundance  ;"  almost  realize  the 
poetic  vision  of  Acadia. 

Let  it  not  be  inferred,  however,  that,  because  of  a  regard  for  the 
venerable,  and  a  love  for  the  antique,  Stratford  is  behind  the  age,  or  is 
indifferent  to  progress.  The  education  of  her  children  has  been  a  matter 
of  much  solicitude,  and  her  common  schools  have  always  been  far  above 
the  average.-  In  1812  a  bequest  of  William  Henderson  made  provision 
for  the  establishment  of  a  fund  "for  the  education  of  poor  children  in 
the  town  of  Stratford."  "  Stratford  Academy,"  situated  on  the  hill  to 
which  it  gave  name,  was  founded  in  1804  and  acquired  a  reputation  far 
and  wide,  as  one  of  the  best  in  the  country ;  Yale  College  recognized  the 
ability  and  learning  there  displayed,  by  conferring  upon  one  of  its  late 
principals,  Frederick  Sedgwick,  the  degree  of  A.  M.  This  is  the  more 
worthy  of  notice  from  the  fact  that  Mr.  Sedgwick,  who  was  principal  of 
the  Academy  for  over  twenty-five  years,  was  not  a  college  graduate. 

In  1885,  the  common  schools  of  Stratford  were  merged  in  one 
graded  school,  not  a  whit  behind  any  similar  institution  elsewhere, 
making  ample  provision  for  the  education  of  coming  generations. 

The  post  road  from  New  York  to  Boston  passed  through  Stratford, 
crossing  the  Housatonic  River  by  a  ferry,  managed  by  Moses  Wheeler, 
at  a  point  near  the  present  "  Washington  Bridge."  The  name  "  Ferry  " 
still  adheres  to  this  locality.  It  was  along  this  road  that  Washington  in 
1775  came  from  the  westward,  and  at  Benjamin's  Tavern  met  Lafayette 
coming  from  the  opposite  direction. 

Washington  again  passed  through  here  in  1789  ;  the  identical 
chair  in  which  the  Father  of  his  Country  then  sat,  and  the  table  from 
which  he  ate,  "  are  they  not  with  us  to  this  day?  " 

As  the  town  did  not  have  any  "  liberty  pole  "  on  the  occasion  of  this 
visit  of  Washington,  the  late  Benjamin  Fairchild,  then  a  boy,  climbed 
the  tavern  pole  and  rove  halyards  with  which  to  hoist  the  national 
ensign  in  honor  of  the  distinguished  visitor. 


16  stratford's  celebration. 

Stratford  does  not  boast  herself  of  numerous  mighty  names  among 
her  sons,  nor  have  man}*  of  them  become  celebrities  ;  but  many  succeed- 
ing generations  have  kept  the  hearthstones  of  their  fathers  clean,  while 
untold  numbers  have  gone  hence  into  the  busy  world  seeking  their 
fortunes  with  varying  success,  carrying  with  them  the  impress  of  an 
early  training,  and  those  sturdy,  sterling  qualities,  which  imparted  to 
their  children  and  children's  children,  have  made  the  name  of  New 
England  honored  through  all  our  country's  length  and  breadth. 

Among  the  most  prominent  names  in  Stratford  history  are : 

Gen.  David  Wooster,  of  Revolutionary  fame,  bom  in  1710. 

William  Samuel  Johnson,  LL.D.,  born  in  1727,  for  thirteen  years  President  of 
Columbia  College ;  one  of  the  delegates  to  the  Convention  which  framed  the  Constitution 
of  the  United  States,  and  well  known  in  national  politics  at  the  period  in  which  he  lived. 

Col.  Aaeon  Benjamin,  born  August  17,  1757.  He  is  described  in  Orcutt's  History 
as  "a  man  of  medium  stature,  but  commanding  presence;  of  large  humanity,  great  purity 
of  character,  iron  energy,  and  unyielding  integrity  and  honor  ;  who  during  the  Revolu- 
tionary war  was  more  than  a  hundred  times  under  fire,  and  in  the  attack  on  Stony  Point, 
as  one  of  the  forlorn  hope,  was  the  second  man  to  enter  the  fort.  His  military  mantle  has 
fallen  upon  his  grandson,  Col.  Samuel  N.  Benjamin,  whose  brilliant  record  in  the  War  of 
the  Rebellion  is  worthy  of  his  grandsire." 

Capt.  Nehemiah  Gorham,  born  Oct.  10,  1753.  "He  was  an  officer  in  the  Army  of 
the  Revolution,  and  served  faithfully  through  the  war  which  established  the  independence 
of  his  country." 

Gen.  Joseph  Walker,  born  in  1756,  "who  entered  the  American  Army  in  1777, 
and  served  his  country  in  the  several  grades  from  Captain  to  Major  General." 

Hon.  Gideon  Tomlinson,  born  in  1780,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Connecticut  from 
1827  to  1830,  and  United  States  Senator  from  1831  to  1837. 

Hon.  David  Plant,  born  in   1783,  for  four  years  Lieut.  Governor  of  Connecticut, 
and  Member  of  Congress  from  1827  to  1829  ; 

Capt.  D.  Pulaski  Benjamin,  born  in  1796,  last  survivor  of  the  Dartmoor  prisoners. 

These  are  a  few  among  those  for  whom  distinction  may  be  claimed 
in  public  life,  but  there  have  been  many  of  those  whose  names  and  deeds 
are  as  household  words  among  us,  honored  for  their  uprightness  and 
integrity,  who  kept 

"  Along  the  cool  sequestered  vale  of  life, 
The  noiseless  tenor  of  their  way." 

The  names  of  her  honored  dead,  among  the  rank  and  file  in  the 
armies  of  the  Union  during  the  late  war  are  many,  and  are  elsewhere 
recorded  in  this  book. 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  the  list  of  those  from  Stratford  who 
fought  and  died  in  the  earlier  wars  of  the  nation,  has  not  been  pre- 
served with  exactness.  There  is  no  record  of  any  battle  nearer  than 
Fairfield ;  but  traces  of  an  old  redoubt  near  "  Neck  Bridge,"  prove  that 
the  townsmen  were  on  the  watch  to  protect  their  homes  from  the  enemy 


Stratford's  celebration.  17 

in  the  fight  for  independence  ;  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  her  sons  did 
their  duty  in  the  army  and  navy  in  all  these  wars.  Indeed,  the  name 
of  one  of  them,  that  of  Jabez  L.  Tomlinson,  is  curiously  interwoven 
with  the  tragic  fate  of  Major  Andre.  The  story  of  the  capture,  trial, 
and  death  of  this  lamented  officer,  whose  zeal  in  the  service  of  his  king 
led  him  to  an  untimely  and  shameful  end,  is  too  well  known  to  need 
repetition.  Every  incident  connected  with  this  sad  event  has  peculiar 
interest,  not  only  because  of  the  magnitude  of  the  scheme  in  which  he 
was  involved,  but  also  by  reason  of  the  general  commiseration  for  the 
unfortunate  man,  whose  amiability,  manliness,  and  courage,  in  the  face 
of  an  ignominious  death,  won  for  him  the  respect  and  pity  of  his 
adversaries. 

So  contagious  was  this  generous  feeling,  that  even  Washington,  as 
if  apprehensive  that  his  judgment  might  receive  a  bias  unfavorable  to 
the  cause  of  justice,  were  the  prisoner  accorded  a  private  interview, 
purposely  avoided  meeting  him  ;  but  while  acknowledging  the  subtle 
charm  of  Andre's  character  and  presence,  nevertheless  regarded  him  as 
an  exceedingly  dangerous  person,  and  gave  the  following  instructions 
to  those  having  him  in  charge  :  "  Major  Andre,  the  prisoner  under  your 
guard,  is  not  only  an  officer  of  distinction  in  the  British  Army,  but  a 
man  of  infinite  art  and  address,  who  will  leave  no  means  unattempted 
to  make  his  escape  and  avoid  the  ignominious  death  which  awaits  him. 
*****  You  are  therefore  to  keep  two  officers  constantly  in  the 
room  with  him,  with  their  swords  drawn,  whilst  the  other  officers  who 
are  out  of  the  room,  are  constantly  to  keep  walking  the  entry,  and 
round  the  sentries  to  see  that  they  are  on  the  alert." 

It  was  in  conformity  with  these  instructions,  that  Tomlinson,  acting 
as  officer  of  the  guard,  was  one  of  those  appointed  for  this  service  on 
the  day  originally  fixed  for  the  execution.  During  the  entire  day  Andre 
evinced  the  most  remarkable  self-possession  and  calmness  and  even 
indulged  in  his  favorite  accomplishment  of  drawing.  With  pen  and 
ink  he  made  a  sketch  of  himself  seated  at  a  table ;  and  this  sketch, 
when  completed,  he  gave  to  Tomlinson  as  a  souvenir.  This  the  latter 
kept  for  years,  but  it  finally  in  some  way  escaped  the  custody  of  private 
hands  and  is  now  in  the  Library  of  Yale  University.  The  excellent 
reproduction  of  the  original  sketch,  on  the  opposite  page,  is  from  a 
photograph  made  by  F.  C.  Beach,  Esq.,  1890.  The  old  flint-lock  musket 
which  Tomlinson  carried  during  the  Revolution  is  religiously  preserved 
in  the  family  as  an  heir-loom  of  inestimable  value. 

That  a  place  so  picturesque  as  Stratford   should  be  without  its 


18  STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION. 

historical  romance,  would  be  an  absurdity  inconceivable.    Stratford  bad 
its  romance — a  romance  assuming  an  international  character. 

One  day  in  the  early  fall  of  1770,  there  came  by  stage-coach  to 
Stratford,  a  young  and  prepossessing  gentleman.  Whether  attracted  by 
the  natural  beauty  of  the  place,  or  from  some  strange  freak  of  fancy,  he 
lingered  for  a  day  or  two  at  Benjamin's  tavern,  the  only  hostelry  of  the 
little  town.  On  the  corner  now  occupied  by  the  Johnson  mansion  was 
the  dwelling,  and  near  by  was  the  shop,  of  the  village  blacksmith, 
Samuel  Folsom.  The  young  traveler  saw  the  daughter  of  this  worthy 
man,  a  charming  girl  of  sweet  sixteen,  with  beautiful  brown  hair,  blue 
eyes,  and  lovely  face  ;  and  completely  lost  his  heart.  His  stay  in  town 
was  prolonged  to  seek  her  acquaintance,  and  win  her  love. 

His  manner  toward  the  young  lady,  so  different  from  that  of  her 
rustic  admirers,  did  not  fail  to  impress  her  youthful  fancy  ;  but  his 
advances  were  met  with  disfavor  by  Mrs.  Folsom,  who  regarded  with 
suspicion  the  man  about  whose  name  and  business  lingered  so  much 
mystery  as  attached  to  our  hero.  To  the  daughter,  as  he  told  of  his 
love  he  whispered  his  name,  John  Sterling ;  his  rank,  the  son  of  a 
baronet  in  Edinburgh ;  and  his  business,  simply  traveling  for  pleasure 
and  a  knowledge  of  the  world  ;  .at  the  same  time  enjoining  secrecy  on 
her  part  about  all  concerning  himself. 

Parental  objection  at  length  yielded  to  the  young  suitor's  ardent 
pleadings ;  he  wooed  and  won,  and  they  were  wed,  and  merrily  rang  the 
bells.  For  a  brief  season,  however,  the  young  wife  had  a  most  trying 
ordeal.  The  baronet  sent  peremptory  orders  to  his  son  to  return  to  the 
paternal  roof.  Like  a  dutiful  son  he  obeyed ;  but  circumstances  were 
such  that  it  was  impossible  for  his  wife  at  that  time  to  accompany  him. 
Then  burst  upon  her  the  busy  gossip  of  all  the  neighborhood  ;  doubts 
were  expressed  as  to  the  true  character  of  the  man  she  had  married, 
his  purposes,  business,  and  the  probability  of  her  ever  hearing  from 
him  again.  Through  it  all  the  young  wife  kept  her  steadfast  faith  in  his 
loyalty. 

Soon  came  to  New  York,  a  ship  especially  fitted  up  for  her  accom- 
modation, with  men-servants  and  maids  to  wait  upon  her  and  bring  her 
in  state  to  her  husband's  home.  On  her  arrival  in  Scotland,  she  was 
greeted  with  honors  becoming  the  daughter  of  a  noble  house  ;  nor  has 
Stratford  reason  to  be  otherwise  than  proud  of  her  daughter,  Glorianna, 
Lady  Sterling. 

One  sad  page  in  the  history  of  Stratford,  points  to  the  fact  that  our 
fathers   were   not   wholly  untainted  with   the   superstition  concerning 


CHRIST    CHURCH    'Episcopal). 

(Erected  1743,  taken  down  1857.) 

From  " Lippincott's  Magazine,"  by  kind  permission  of  the  J.  B. 
Lipptncott  Co. 


THE    PHELPS    HOUSE. 

(Scene  of  the  "Stratford  Knookings.") 

From  a  Photograph  made  by  F.  C.  Beach,  1864,  for  "  Lippincott's 

Magazine,"  by  kind  permission  of  the  J.  B.  Lippincott  Co. 


stratfokd's  celebration.  19 

witches  and  witchcraft,  so  prevalent  in  the  colonies  during  part  of  the 
seventeenth  century. 

As  one  now  passes  along  Broad  Street  towards  the  railroad  station, 
it  is  difficult  to  realize  that  over  this  same  ground  passed  the  unhappy 
woman,  Goody  Bassett,  condemned  by  a  court  of  justice  to  suffer  death 
for  witchcraft.  Struggling  with  the  officers  carrying  her  to  the  gallows, 
she  tried  to  impede  the  march  by  seizing  hold  of  a  large  boulder  by  the 
wayside.  Tradition  says  that  on  this  rock  were  peculiar  marks,  traces 
of  the  finger  prints  made  by  the  wretched  creature  as  she  sought  to 
retain  her  hold  against  the  strong  armed  officers  of  the  law. 

Let  the  veil  of  charity  be  drawn  over  these  scenes,  for  who  can  tell 
how  the  mistakes  and  foibles  of  this  generation  will  be  regarded  in 
the  greater  learning  of  two  hundred  years  hence. 

An  event  of  more  recent  date  is  of  interest  to  believers  in  the 
supernatural.  Stratford  had  its  haunted  house;  no  common  nine-day 
wonder,  accounted  for  by  enormous  rats  and  mischievous  mice,  but  a 
genuine  mysteVy  replete  with  strange  visions  and  hideous  noises,  agitating 
alike  the  ignorant  and  the  learned  and  causing  apprehension  and  dismay 
to  those  who  sought  an  explanation  in  natural  causes.  In  vain  were  all 
the  efforts  of  the  village  pastor  to  detect  fraud,  or  solve  the  mystery  ; 
prayers,  singing,  and  reading  of  the  Scriptures  (the  pious  methods 
generally  used  in  like  cases)  were  of  no  avail  to  exorcise  the  ghostly 
visitant. 

Circumstances  favored  the  spread  of  the  uncanny  intelligence.  The 
Fox  family  had  just  set  the  entire  country  in  a  furor  by  the  startling 
theory  of  spiritualistic  communications.  The  most  intricate  of  these 
manifestations  were  immediately  reproduced  at  the  Phelps  mansion. 
Eappings  were  heard  all  over  the  house,  inside  and  out ;  the  glass  in  a 
whole  sash  would  be  demolished  at  once,  as  by  magic;  musical  instru- 
ments played  by  unseen  hands  gave  the  most  dolorous  music  ;  the  blood 
curdled  at  the  conscious  presence  of  the  invisible,  and  the  constant 
change  of  procedure  kept  the  community  in  a  high  state  of  excitement. 
Letters  from  near  and  from  far,  asking  information  and  offering  sugges- 
tions, proved  that  the  case  was  one  of  national  notoriety.  Strangers,  to  see 
for  themselves,  made  pilgrimages  hither,  and  the  hack  driver  at  the  rail- 
road station  drove  a  flourishing  business,  and  lost  no  opportunity  of  giv- 
ing his  passengers  a  full  account  of  the  latest  developments.  Of  course, 
the  incredulous  found  a  solution  in  the  existence  of  a  young  wife  accus- 
tomed to  the  gaieties  of  the  city  and  dissatisfied  with  the  solemn  stillness 
of  Stratford,  seeking  to  effect  a  change  to  a  more  congenial  atmosphere ; 


20  stbatfokd's  celebration. 

and  aided  in  her  efforts  by  a  scheming  daughter  and  precocious  son, 
remarkably  adapted  to  the  work  in  hand.  But  who  would  believe  in 
natural  causes  when  the  supernatural  so  readily  explains  all,  and  is 
withal  so  fascinating. 

At  all  events,  after  the  removal  of  the  family,  who  were  really 
more  annoyed  by  curiosity  seekers  than  by  anything  unearthly,  the 
house  resumed  its  wonted  quiet,  nor  have  any  of  its  subsequent  occu- 
pants given  even  a  hint  of  any  occurrence  other  than  is  usual  in  well- 
ordered  households. 

Probably  the  greatest  excitement  that  the  old  town  ever  knew 
occurred  in  the  old  Academy.     The  story,  briefly  told,  is  as  follows : 

During  the  early  days  of  the  anti-slavery  question,  the  agitation 
looking  to  the  abolition  of  slavery  in  the  United  States  was  just  as  un- 
popular in  Stratford  as  elsewhere;  but,  nevertheless,  there  were  a  few 
courageous  souls  in  the  town,  who,  undaunted  by  the  popular  prejudice, 
frequently  met  together  to  study  the  situation,  form  plans  and  adopt 
measures  for  the  furtherance  of  the  cause.  And  indeed  it  needed 
courage  to  espouse  a  cause  which  was  regarded  so  unfavorably  by  the 
public.  So  bitter  was  the  feeling  against  these  reformers,  that  they  were 
openly  insulted  without  rebuke,  designated  as  seditionists,  and  even 
threatened  with  personal  violence.  So  far  was  this  animosity  allowed 
to  develop,  that  one  night  at  the  close  of  a  meeting  of  the  abolitionists 
held  at  the  house  of  Deacon  Lewis  Beers,  an  attack  was  actually  made 
with  rotten  eggs,  which  were  thrown  with  effect  at  those  who  attended 
the  meeting.  As  several  of  the  assailants  had  been  recognized,  they 
were  afterwards  arrested,  and  with  the  exception  of  the  ringleader,  who 
left  the  town  and  so  escaped  arrest,  were  brought  before  Justice  of  the 
Peace  D.  P.  Judson.  The  court  was  held  in  the  Academy,  as  the 
largest  building  available  for  the  purpose ;  and  almost  every  man  in 
the  town  was  present  at  the  trial,  which  was  of  the  most  exciting  char- 
acter. The  best  legal  talent  that  could  be  obtained,  was  procured  by 
both  parties.  Ex- Governor  Henry  Dutton  appeared  for  the  prosecution, 
and  Alanson  Hamlin  for  the  defence. 

Even  in  the  court-room  threats  were  outspoken  against  the  abo- 
litionists and  all  who  should  show  anything  like  sympathy  with  them 
or  their  cause,  and  public  sentiment  seemed  to  warrant  even  harsher 
measures  for  the  suppression  of  the  obnoxious  doctrine ;  but  notwith- 
standing the  clamor,  and  in  spite  of  severe  personal  criticism  and  the 
fact  that  the  justice  himself  was  not  in  sympathy  with  the  aggrieved 
parties,  Squire  Judson  promptly  convicted  the  accused  and  sentenced 


5    O 


stratford's  celebration.  21 

them  each  to  pay  a  fine.  Several  prominent  townsmen  at  once  came 
forward  and  gave  their  notes  for  the  aggregate  amount  of  the  fines."  Of 
course  these  notes  were  never  paid. 

It  is  a  remarkable  coincidence  that  the  Academy  having  been  the 
silent,  inanimate  witness  of  the  threats,  imprecations  and  abuse  so 
freely  poured  upon  the  friends  of  a  despised  race,  should  also  afterward 
pass  entirely  under  the  control  of  that  race,  as  only  a  few  years  since 
our  colored  brethren,  the  innocent  causes  of  all  this  disturbance,  with 
the  liberal  aid  of  Stratford  people,  purchased  the  Academy  and  moved 
it  to  Lundy's  Lane,  where  it  is  now  used  by  the  colored  Baptists  as  a 
house  of  worship.  It  is  also  affirmed  that  those  most  prominent  in  their 
bitter  denunciation  of  the  anti-slavery  movement  at  the  time  of  the  trial 
before  Squire  Judson,  afterwards  became  strong  supporters  of  the 
administration  which  finally  abolished  slavery  in  the  South. 

As  the  beautiful  Housatonic  passing  the  town  on  its  way  to  the 
sea,  constantly  seeks  new  channels  and  year  after  year  forms  new  bar- 
riers and  strengthens  or  removes  older  ones,  so  each  succeeding  genera- 
tion takes  a  wider  and  more  comprehensive  view  of  life,  as  with  the 
dawning  light  of  an  increasing  civilization  it  comprehends  the  situation, 
adapting  itself  to  the  new,  and  discarding  the  old  methods  of  thought  and 
life.  The  trend  is  always  the  same,  towards  the  open  sea — purity, 
strength  and  freedom. 

Since  the  first  settlement  of  Stratford,  eight  generations  have  passed 
away.  For  each,  varied  only  in  detail,  the  same  old  story  suffices : 
born,  married,  died.  Each  brought  with  it  a  fullness  of  love  for  the 
newly  born,  and  the  departing  left  behind  it  the  shadow  of  a  great 
sorrow. 

Coming  thus  to  the  close  of  these  long  years,  through  which  our 
fathers  toiled,  rejoiced  and  sorrowed,  we  cannot  do  otherwise  than 
revere  the  memory  of  those  who  have  gone  before,  and  rejoice  in  the 
possession  of  the  place  where  a  kind  Providence  fixed  their  happy  lot 
and  ours. 


MAP    OF    STRATFORD,    1824-1890. 


Streets  as  are  hud  doHnon  the  map  other 

e  than  as  they  now  run.  are  restored  to  their 

and  course  in  /64-0  to  1676,  so  Jar  as  re 

to  them  in  boundnries  ?c  enables  to 

i&rfaui  or  conjecture  than 186Z. 


MAP    OF    STRATFORD,    1640-1676. 

Arranged,  with  Explanatory  List,  by  Rev.  Benjamik  L.  Swan. 


24  Stratford's  celebration. 


LIST   OF 

HOUSE  LOTS   AND    THEIR   OWNERS, 

DURING    THE    EARLIEST    YEARS    OF    STRATFORD    HISTORY. 


The  ensuing  list  and  assignment  of  lots  in  Stratford  at  the  period  of 
its  earliest  settlement,  is  taken  from  the  Land  Eecords  between  1654 
and  about  1668.  No  entries  earlier  than  the  former  date  are  found,  and 
but  few  are  taken  subsequently  to  the  latter.  The  lots  are  numbered 
arbitrarily,  for  reference  on  the  map  on  preceding  page. 

1.  John  Birdseye,  Jr. 

2.  John  Birdseye,  Sr.     The  eastern  half  was,  in  1679,  sold  to  Hezekiah  Dickinson,  an- 

cestor of  President  Jonathan  Dickinson,  of  Princeton  College.     H.  Dickinson  mar- 
ried a  grand-daughter  of  Rev.  Adam  Blakeman. 

3.  Thomas  (and  then  his  son  John)  Sherwood. 

4.  Elizabeth  Beardsley  (widow  of ). 

5  and  8.  Jeremiah  Judson. 

6.  John  Minor. 

7.  William  Burritt. 
9.  Nathaniel  Porter. 

10.  David  Mitchell;  ancestor  of  the  late  Prof.  Mitchell,  of  North  Carolina. 

11.  John  Hurd. 

12.  |  1st,  Thomas  Seabrook  ;   then  12th,  to  John  Birdseye,  Jr.;  and  13th,  to  Thomas  Fair- 

13.  )      child,  Jr. 

14.  John  Peacock,  and  then  to  his  daughters,  Mrs.   Phebe  Burgess  and  Mrs.  Deborah 

(James)  Clarke. 

15.  Henry  Wakelyn,  now  written  Wakelee. 

16.  Thomas  TJffoot.     The  property  is  still  in  the  family. 

17.  Robert  Coe;   afterward  exchanged  with  Uffoot  for  a  piece  across  the  street,  which 

Ufibot  had  bought,  and  where  the  Coes  have  ever  since  lived. 

18.  Samuel  Sherman  ;  then  John  Picket.     Mr.  Sherman  seems  to  have  afterward  moved  to 

the  western  part  of  Stratford  (Pequonnock),  and  the  Pickets  were  among  the  first 
settlers  of  Durham. 

19.  Philip  Groves,  the  first  and  only  ruling  elder  in  Stratford  Church. 

20.  Rev.  Adam  Blakeman,  first  minister  of  Stratford.     His  descendants  are. written  Blake- 

man and  Blackman.     His  only  daughter,  Mary,  married  Joshua  Atwater,  of  New 
Haven,  and  Rev.  Thomas  Higginson,  of  Salem,  Mass. 

21.  John  Barlow,  then  John  Hurd,  then  TJffoot,  then  Coe. 


CONGREGATIONAL    CHURCH. 

(Erected  1784,  taken  down  1859.) 

From  Church  Manual  by  permission  of  the  First  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Stratford. 


Stratford's  celebration.  25 

22.  Mr.  Bryan  bought  of  James  Harwood  (original  owner)  and  sold  to  Rev.  Adam  Blake- 

man,  who  gave  it  to  his  «on  Joseph  B.  Through  J.  Harwood  the  Bl&kemans 
became  acquainted  with  Joshua  Scottow,  merchant,  of  Boston,  whose  daughter, 
Rebecca,  Benjamin  Blakeman  married. 

23.  Edward  Higbee. 

24.  John  Jenner ;  then  John  "Wells  ;  then  Widow  Elizabeth  Curtis,  who,  with  her  two  sons, 

"William  and  John,  originated  that  name  in  Stratford 

25.  Arthur  Bostwick. 

26.  Jeremiah  Judson.     His  gravestone  yet  stands  in  Stratford. 

27.  Joshua  Judson  (brother  of  Jeremiah) ;  then  John  Hurd. 

28.  Thomas  Fairchild,  Sr. 

29.  Richard  Booth,  whose  land  extended  beyond  the  lota  north,  and  ran  northerly  to  the 

rocks. 

30.  Isaac  Nichols,  Sr.,  west  side.     Stiles  Nichols,  and  then  Caleb,  east  side 

31.  Adam  Hurd. 

32.  Francis  Nichols  ;  then  Caleb  Nichols. 

33.  Thomas  Quenby;  then  Joshua  Atwater  ;  then  Henry  Tomlinson. 

34.  William  Curtis ;  afterward,  west  end,  Thomas  Curtis,  who  subsequently  went  among 

the  first  settlers  to  Wallingford. 

35.  Adam  Hurd's  duplicate  lot. 

36.  John  Beach,  ancestor  of  the  Wallingford  and  Stratford  name. 

37.  Joseph  Hawley's  original  lot. 

38.  John  Thompson. 
38a.  Francis  Jecockes. 

39.  "William  Read;  then,  by  exchange,  Joseph  Hawley. 

40.  "William  Crooker. 

41.  Joseph  Judson.     In  1640  "William  Judson,  the  father.     The  original  stone  house  stood 

about  four  rods  from  the  northeast  corner. 

42.  Rev.  Zachariah  "Walker's  half  of  parsonage  lot. 

43.  Rev.  Israel  Chauncy's  half  of  parsonage  lot. 

44.  Hugh  Griffin;  then  John  Wheeler. 

45.  Richard  Harvey;  then  John  Bostwick;  then  Congregational  Society  for  parsonage. 

46.  Francis  Hall. 

47.  ) 

v  John  Blakeman. 
47  a.  ) 

48.  A  strip  of  low  land,  given  to  widow  of  Abraham   Kimberly  in  1680. 

49.  Daniel  Sherman,  son  of  Samuel,  Sr. ;  then  Ebenezer  Sherman. 

50.  Common,  or  highway;  now  the  west  half  of  B.  Fairchild's  lot.     It  was  originally  the 

outlet  of  a  short  highway  (coeval  with  the  town  settlement)  that  passed  from 
Main  Street  round  the  low  wet  land,  now  "W.  A.  Booth's  lot,  and  led  into  the  old 
mill  road  through  No.  50,  as  above  said.  Of  this  road  the  present  burial-ground 
lane  is  all  that  encroachments  have  left  from  Main  Street  to  the  burial-place, 
though  its  width,  resurveyed  and  confirmed  in  1738,  is  above  four  rods. 

51.  Land  of  Isaac  Nichols. 

52.  House  lot  of  Samuel  Sherman,  Jr.  (now  the  Roswell  Judson  lot). 

53.  The  eastern  section  of  the  street  of  which  No.  50  was  a  portion. 

54.  John  Beers;  then  Samuel  Beers;  then,  after  1700,  Burton,  Prindle,  Tomlinson,  M'Ewen, 

55.  Nathaniel  Foote;   then  Benjamin  Lewis;  then  Congregational  Parish,  for  Mr.  Cutler; 

then  Rev.  Mr.  Gold. 

56.  Burial-place. 


26  stratford's  celebration. 

57.  Daniel  Titterton,  Jr. 

58.  Timothy  Wilcoxson. 

59.  Jabez  Harger,  who  went  to  Derby  at  its  settlement,  1670. 

60.  John  Hull,  ancestor  of  Commodore  Isaac;  went  to  Derby  1670. 

61.  John  Pickett ;  went  to  Durham. 

62.  Robert  Lane;  above  him  was  John  Cooke,  bounded  north  by  Esek  Lane  or  Street. 

63.  John  Young,  who  died  April,  1661,  and  his  lot  went  to  John  Rose;  afterward  Robert 

Walker. 

64.  Thomas  Wells,  above  whom  James  Blakeman  owned  eight  acres. 

65.  John  Thompson,  who  lived  on  No.  38. 

66.  John  Wells. 

66a.  Daniel  Titterton,  Sr. 
6QI.   John  Wilcoxson,  Sr. 

67.  John  Peat  (sometimes  spelt  Peake). 

68.  Moses  Wheeler ;  then,  very  soon,  Richard  Harvey;  then  his  sons-in-law,  Benjamin  Peat 

and  Thomas  Hicks,  of  Long  Island.     Hicks'  wife  first  married,  in  1655,  John 
Washborne.     Thomas  Hicks  was  ancestor  of  Elias  Hicks,  the  Quaker. 

69.  Thomas  Curtis,  from  his  father,  John  (now  Chatrield  and  Gorham  lots). 

70.  William  Wilcoxson,  ancestor  of  all  of  that  name,  in  and  of  Stratford. 

71.  William  Beardslee,  ancestor  of  all  of  that  name,  in  and  of  Stratford. 

72.  John  Brinsmade. 

73.  Nicholas  Knell,  whose  wife  was  Governor  Francis  Newman's  daughter. 

74.  Robert  Rise;  then  Wheeler;  then  Richard  Beach;  then  Rev.  Israel  Chauncy. 

75.  First  church  edifice  and  burial-ground. 

76.  Originally  Uffoot's,  who,  in  1661,  sold  to  Nicholas  Gray,  from  Flushing,  Long  Island, 

who  had  a  tide-mill  where  the  lane  or  highway  crosses  Little  Neck  Creek. 

77.  Granted,  in  1671,  by  town,  to  N.  Gray,  if  he  maintain  his  dam  wide  enough  for  a  "pass- 

able cartway." 

78.  Jehiel  Preston,  1662. 

79.  Site  of   the   Second   Church   Edifice,  from   1679  to  1743;  Whiteficld  preached  in  it, 

October  26,  1740. 

80.  Site  of  the  Third  Church  Edifice,  from  1743  till  burned  by  lightning  in  1785. 


A.  Site  of  First  Church  Edifice  and  burying-ground. 

B.  do.     Second  do.         do.      from  1679  to  1743.     Whitefleld  preached  in  it,  October  26. 

1740. 

C.  do.     Third  Church  Edifice,  from  1743  till  burned  by  lightning  in  1785. 

D.  do.     Fourth   do.  do.      from  1786  to  1859. 
do.    Fifth       do.          do.      erected  in  1859. 

E.  Burial-place,  opened  1678. 

F    Site  of  First  Episcopal  Church  Edifice  in  Connecticut,  1723,  with  its  graveyard,  whicli 

still  occupies  the  spot. 
G.    Site  of  Second  Episcopal  Church  Edifice,  from  1744  to  1858. 

do.     present       do.  do.  do.      erected  in  1858. 

H.    Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
I.      Richard  Booth's  house-lot. 
J.      Joseph  Booth's        do. 
K.     John  Booth's  do. 


INTERIOR    OF    CONGREGATIONAL    CHURCH. 

(1784-1859.) 

From  Rev.  Sam'l  Orcutt's  "History  of  Stratford."    By  permission. 

Sketched  by  R.  W.  Bunnell,  Esq.,  1859. 


stratford's  celebration.  27 


ACTION   OF  THE  TOWN. 


At  a  Town  Meeting,  held  September  22d,  1888,  the  idea  of  some 
commemoration  of  the  two-hundred-and-fiftieth  recurrence  of  the  date 
of  the  settlement  of  the  town  was  first  brought  to  public  attention,  and, 
on  motion  of  Mr.  R  H.  Russell,  it  was  voted  that 

Anson  H.  Blakeman,  Charles  B.  Curtis, 

Albert  Wilcoxson,  Stiles  Judson, 

Morton  Beardslee, 

be  appointed  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  advisability  of 
suitably  observing  the  two-hundred-and-fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  set- 
tlement of  this  town,  occurring  in  the  year  1889,  and  if  they  deem  it 
expedient,  to  bring  the  matter  before  the  town  at  a  meeting  to  be  called 
for  the  purpose. 

Later  on,  the  demand  for  some  observance  of  the  anniversary  being 
quite  general,  a  special  town  meeting  was  called,  and  held  on  the  29th 
day  of  March,  1889,  at  which  the  matter  was  again  considered,  with  the 
following  result : 

Voted,  "  That  the  two-hundred-and-fiftieth  anniversary  of  the 
settlement  of  this  town  be  appropriately  celebrated  on  Thursday,  Octo- 
ber 3d,  1889,  and  that  a  general  committee  of  twenty-four  be  appointed 
to  properly  arrange  for  the  same.'1 

The  committee  was  then  appointed  as  follows : 

Stiles  Judson,  Jr.,  Bruce  H.  Weller, 

Charles  B.  Curtis,  Frederick  J.  Beardsley, 

Anson  H.  Blakeman,  Albert  "Wilcoxson, 

John  E.  Holmes,  Stiles  Judson, 

Lewis  Beardsley,  Charles  "Wilcoxson, 

Thomas  B.  Fairchild,  Samuel  W.  Beardslee; 

John  W.  Thompson,  Watson  H.  Smith, 

Rufus  W.  Bunnell,  Henry  P.  Stago, 

Robert  H.  Russell,  J.  Henry  Blakeman, 

George  H.  Spall,  Eugene  Morehouse, 

William  B.  Bristol,  William  H.  Crawford, 

Henry  F.  Meachen,  George  H.  Tomlinson. 

It  was  also  voted,  "  That  a  sum  not  exceeding  one  thousand  dollars 
be  appropriated  by  the  town,  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  expense 


28 


STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION. 


of  properly  celebrating  this  anniversary  of  the  settlement  of  the  town, 
and  the  dedication  of  a  '  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Monument '  on  the  same 
date." 


WORK    OF    THE    COMMITTEES. 

The  gentlemen  constituting  the  General  Committee  of  arrange- 
ments, subsequently  added  others  to  their  number.  They  organized  by 
the  election  of  officers  named  below,  and  appointed,  from  time  to  time, 
the  followins;  committees,  to  attend  to  the  details  of  the  celebration  : 


President,  Stiles  Judson,  Jr.,   . 

Grand  Marshal,  Col.  Selah  G.  Blakeman, 

Chief  of  Staff,  Capt.  Eugene  Morehouse, 

Assistant  Marshals, 

Aides,     ....... 

Chief  of  Police,  Sheriff  Rob't  L.  Clarkson, 
Police,     ....... 

Guests,         ...... 


BADGES. 

White 
Light  Blue 
Orange 
Red 

Dark  Blue 
Light  Blue 
Dark  Blue 
Pink 


GENERAL     COMMITTEE. 


Robert  H.  Russell, 
Frederick  J.  Beardsley, 
Albert  Wilcoxson, 
Henry  P.  Stagg, 
Thomas  B.  Fairchild, 
John  E.  Holmes, 
Lewis  Beardsley, 
William  B.  Bristol, 
Rufus  W.  Bunnell, 
Bruce  H.  Weller, 


Stiles  Judson, 
Anson  H.  Blakeman, 
Samuel  W.  Beardslee. 
Henry  F.  Meachen, 
J.  Henry  Blakeman, 
Charles  Wilcoxson, 
Charles  B.  Curtis, 
Watson  H.  Smith, 
John  W.  Thompson, 
George  H.  Tomlinson. 


COMMITTEE     ON     PRINTING    AND     INVITATIONS— (Salmon  Badge.) 

Henry  P.  Stagg,  Henry  F.  Meachen, 

Rufus  W.  Bunnell,  William  H.  Crawford, 

Eugene  Morehouse. 


COMMITTEE     ON     COLLATION.— (Green    Badge.) 

George  H.  Spall,  Lewis  Beardsley, 

J.  Hexry  Blakeman,  Charles  Wilcoxson, 

Charles  B.  Curtis. 


Stratford's  celebration.  29 


COMMITTEE    ON     RECEPTION.— (Lilac    Badge.) 

David  P.  Rhoades,  Frederick  J.   Beardsley, 

Stiles  Judson,  Howard  J.  Curtis, 

Thomas  B.  Fairchild,  Henry  P.  Stagg, 

Watson  H.  Smith.  John  W.  Thompson, 

Albert  Wilcoxsox,  Ezra  Whiting. 


COMMITTEE     ON     DECORATIONS.— (Yellow    Badge.) 

John  W.  Thompson,  Bruce  H.  Weller. 

John  E.  Holmes,  George  H.  Tomlinsox, 

William  B.  Bristol,  Frederick  C.  Beach. 


COMMITTEE    ON    FIREWORKS    AND    ILLUMINATIONS.— (Yellow  Badge.) 

John  W.  Thompson,  George  H  Spall, 

Anson  H.  Blakeman,  John  E.  Holmes, 

Watson  H.  Smith. 


COMMITTEE     ON     PROGRAMME     OF  THE     DAY.— (Yellow    Badge.) 

Robert  H.  Russell.         •  Henry  P.  Stagg, 

Frederick  J.  Beardsley,  Howard  J.  Curtis. 

Samuel  W.  Beardslee,  Eugene  Morehouse, 

Albert  Wilcoxson,  Samuel  T.  Houghton. 

Thomas  B.  Fairchild.  Frederick  S.  Beardsley. 


PRESS     COMMITTEE— (Brown    Badge.) 

Wilfred  M.  Peck,  David  L.  Rhoades, 

Frederick  Lillingston,  William  H.  Crawford. 


Each  of  these  committees  performed  the  work  assigned  it  with 
fidelity  and  zeal.  The  Committee  on  Collation  are  particularly  deserv- 
ing of  commendation  for  the  neatness  and  fullness  of  the  preparations 
made  to  feed  the  multitudes  who  thronged  the  town. 

The  largest  tent  that  could  be  procured,  capable  of  holding  over 
one  thousand  people,  was,  by  the  courtesy  of  Asa  Seymour  Curtis,  Esq., 
set  up  in  his  lot  on  Elm  Street,  near  Stratford  Avenue.  In  the  rear  of 
this  large  tent  was  a  smaller  one  which  was  used  as  a  kitchen  and  for 
the  reception  of  the  viands  contributed  by  the  towns-people  to  feed  the 
visiting  organizations  and  strangers  in  town.  The  supply  of  food  was 
ample,  and  no  one  had  occasion  to  go  away  hungry. 


30  Stratford's  celebration. 

In  addition  to  those  fed  at  the  tent,  David  P.  Rhoades,  Esq.,  Chair- 
man of  the  Committee  on  Reception,  entertained  at  his  house,  and  with- 
out cost  to  the  Committee,  a  large  number  of  guests  invited  by  the 
Town  including  Col.  Watson,  and  the  entire  staff  of  the  4th  Regi- 
ment,  C.  N.  G. 

Mr.  Thomas  B.  Fairchild,  assisted  by  his  sons,  Messrs.  Samuel  W. 
and  Benjamin  T.  Fairchild,  of  New  York,  gave  a  generous  entertainment 
at  his  home  to  many  of  the  prominent  visitors  and  members  of  the  press. 
The  lady  guests  present,  were  Mm  Joseph  R.  Hawley  and  Miss  Horner, 
of  Hartford;  Mrs.  William  B.  Wooster,  Mrs.  Sawyer,  and  Miss  Bassett, 
of  Birmingham;  Mrs.  S.  W.  Fairchild  and  Mrs.  A.  B.  Tappen,  of  New 
York  City;  and  Mrs.  J.  S.  Caroli,  of  Bridgeport ;  among  the  gentlemen. 
were  Gen.  Samuel  William  Johnson,  Judge  A.  B.  Tappen,  and  Pierre- 
pont  Edwards  Johnson,  Esq.,  of  New  York;  Gen.  William  B.  Wooster. 
of  Birmingham ;  Hon.  David  M.  Read,  Alfred  C.  Hobbs,  Esq.,  Minor 
R.  Knowlton,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  J.  S.  Caroli,  of  Bridgeport ;  Nathan  Baldwin, 
Esq.,  and  Col.  Henry  A.  Taylor,  of  Milford,  and  a  number  of  other 
prominent  persons  from  ont  of  town. 

Arrangements  were  made  with  the  New  York,  New  Haven  &  Hart- 
ford Railroad  Company,  to  have  flagmen  posted,  during  the  clay  and 
evening,  at  all  the  railroad  crossings  in  town,  to  guard  against  accidents 
at  these  points.  Additional  accommodations  were  also  promised  in  the 
way  of  increased  train  facilities,  and  a  reduction  of  the  regular  fare 
was  allowed  from  all  points  on  the  line  of  the  road  or  any  of  its 
branches.  The  Railway  Station  was  also  handsomely  decorated  by 
the  Company. 

Some  idea  of  the  great  number  present  during  the  day,  may  be 
gathered  from  the  fact  that  the  ticket  agents  of  the  Railroad  Com- 
pany,  in  Bridgeport  and  Stratford  alone,  sold  9,500  tickets. 

A  Bureau  of  Information,  in  charge  of  Mr.  John  W.  Thompson, 
was  established  near  the  railroad  station,  and  proved  a  great  public 
convenience. 

The  General  Committee  having  been  sworn  in  as  special  police 
for  the  day,  police  headquarters  were  fixed  at  a  convenient  locality 
on  Main  Street;  but  it  is  worthy  of  note,  that  notwithstanding  the 
immense  number  of  visitors,  there  was  no  call  for  the  services  of  the 
force  during  the  celebration. 

The  following  schedule  was  prepared  by  the  Committee  on  Pro- 
gramme, which  was  carried  out  with  exactness  :  # 


STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION.  31 


PROGRAMME. 

1.  Ringing  of  Church  Bells  and  Salute  of  42  Guns,  at  sunrise. 

2.  Parade  at  10.45. 

General  Order  No.  2. 

The  formation  of  the  procession,  on  the  occasion  of  the  Celebra- 
tion of  the  Two-Hivndred-and- Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  the  Settlement 
of  the  Town  of  Stratford,  and  Dedication  of  the  Soldiers' and  Sailors' 
Monument,  will  be  as  follows  : 

The  First  Division  will  form  on  Main  Street,  the  right  resting  on 
Broad.  Street. 

The  Second  Division  will  form  on  the  north  side  of  Broad  Street, 
the  right  resting  on  Main  Street. 

The  Third  Division  will  form  on  New  Lane,  the  right  resting  on 
Main  Street. 

The  Fourth  Division  will  form  on  the  south  side  of  Broad  Street, 
the  right  resting  on  Main  Street. 

The  procession  will  move  promptly  at  10.45  a.  m. 

Assistant  Marshals  will  see  that  their  divisions  move  promptlv. 

LINE     OF     MARCH 

The  column  will  move  from  Johnson's  corner,  down  Main  Street, 
to  Samuel  E.  Curtis's  corner,  thence  east  to  Elm  Street,  up  Elm  Street 
to  East  Broadway,  to  King  Street,  to  Air  Line  Road,  thence  east  to 
Main  Street,  up  Main  Street  to  Paradise  Green  ;  countermarch  down 
Main  Street  to  north  side  of  Episcopal  Church,  to  place  of  formation  in 
front  of  Grand  Stand  on  Academy  Hill. 

The  procession  will  move  in  the  following  order : 

Col.  Selah  G.  Blakeman,  Grand  Marshal. 
El'Genk  Morehouse,  Chief  of  Staff. 

'    AIDS. 

J.  Henry  Blakeman.  Frederick  S.  Beardslky. 

Silas  Burton,  Charles  B.  Curtis, 

Samuel  C.  Lewis.  George  H.  Tomlinson, 

Gideon  M.  Wakelef.  Dwight  E.  Wakelee, 

Charles  H.  Weli.s,  George  P.  Cook, 

Louis  H.  Wells,  Henry  F.  Meachen, 

♦  Frank  E.  Blakeman,  William  Williamson, 

George  W.  Coy,  William  A.  Stagg. 


32  Stratford's  celebration. 

FIRST    DIVISION. 

Wheeler  &  Wilson  Band. 

Col.  Thomas  L.  Watson  and  Staff. 

4th  Regiment,  C.  N.  G. 
Company  F — Captain  A.  A.  Betts,  Norwalk. 
Company  B — Captain  George  W.  Cornell,  Bridgeport. 
Company  E — Captain  James  Sheridan,  Bridgeport. 
Company  C — Captain  W.  F.  Daniel,  Stamford. 
Company  G — Captain  Frank  R.  Nash,  Danbury. 
Company  D — Captain  Russell   Frost.  Norwalk. 
Company  K — Captain  Eugene  Morehouse,  Stratford. 
Company  I — Captain  Austin  K.  Deming,  Winsted. 
4th  Machine  Gun  Platoon,  Lieut  George  P.  Rand,  Bridgeport. 

State  Officers  and  invited  Guests  in  Carriages. 

SECOND   DIVISION. 
Assistant  Marshal,  Col.  Henry  Huss. 

aids. 

William  E.  Disbrow,  Lieut.  Rice. 

John  C.  Morehouse,  G.  M.  Mosemax. 

Major  L.  N.  Middlebrook. 

Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  Post  Band. 
.Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  Post  No.  3,  Bridgeport. 
Veteran  Association,  Stratford. 
Kellogg  Post  Drum  Corps. 
Kellogg  Post,  No.  26,  Birmingham. 
Admiral  Foote  Post,  No.  17.  New  Haven. 
Ansonia  Drum  Corps. 
T.  M.  Redshaw  Post,  No.  75,  Ansonia. 
Henry  C.  Merwin  Post,  No.  52,    New  Haven. 
Gen.  Von  Stein wehr  Post,  No.  76,  New  Haven. 
Echo  Drum  Corps,  Mil  ford. 
George  Van  Horn  Post,  No.  39,  Milford. 
Harvey  McDonough  Post,  No.  63,  Westport. 
Buckingham  Post,  No.  12,  Norwalk. 


a 

o 

H 
T 

a 

m 

^7 

* 

O 

> 

Stratford's  celebration.  33 

Nathan  Hale  Camp,  No.  1,  S.  of  V.,  New  Haven. 
William  H.   Mallory  Camp,  No.  11,  S.  of  V.,  Bridgeport. 

William  B.  Wooster  Camp,  No.  25,  S.  of  V.,  Ansonia. 
Charles  L.  Russell  Camp,  No.  26,  S.  of  V.,  Birmingham. 


THIKD  DIVISION. 

Assistant  Marshal,  Capt.  Alonzo  Gray. 

aids. 

William  H.  Benjamin,  Lewis  F.  Jddson, 

Edmund  C.  Wood.  Willard  R.  Miller. 

Maple  Drum  Corps. 

Mutual  Hook  and  Ladder  Co.,  No.   1,  Stratford. 

Milford  Cornet  Band. 

Arctic  Engine  Company,  No.  1,  Milford. 

Americus  Drum  Corps. 
Hope  Hose  Company,  No.  2,  Norwalk. 

FOURTH  DIVISION. 
Assistant  Marshal,  Edwin  F.  Hall, 
aids. 

Charles  E.  Stagg,  William  B.  Wheeler, 

John  E.  Holmes,  Frank  L.  Curtis, 

John  W.  Beach,  R.  C.  Pearson. 

Excelsior  Martial  Drum  Corps. 
Oronoque  Lodge,  No.  90,  I.  O.  0.  F.,  Stratford. 

Uniformed  Rank  Knights  of  Pythias. 

Veteran  Association,  Co.  K,  4th  Regiment  C.  N.  G. 

Cupheag    Clul). 

Citizens  in  Carriages. 

Official :  By  order  of 

Col.  S.  G.  Blakeman,  Grand  Marshal 
Eug-ene  Morehouse,   Chief  of  Staff. 


34  stratfords  celebration. 

o.     Salute  of  13  Guns  and  Ringing  of  Church  Bells,  at  12  o'clock 
4.     Exercises  at  Academy  Hill. 

(a.)     Music  by  the  Band. 
(b.)     Prayer,  by  Rev.  Joel  S.  Ives. 
(c.)     Unveiling  and  Dedication  of  Monument,  con- 
ducted by  Win.  H.  Pierpont,  Commander 
Dept.  of  Conn.,  G.  A.  R. 
(d.)     Address  by  Rev.  I.  M.  Foster. 
(e.)     Singing — ''America.''  John  R.  Lattin,  leader, 
with  Band  accompaniment. 

•America." 

My  country!  'tis  of  thee. 
Sweet  land  of  liberty. 

Of  thee  I  sing ; 
Land  where  my  fathers  died ! 
Land  of  the  Pilgrim's  pnde ! 
From  every  mountain  side 

Let  freedom  ring! 

My  native  country,  thee — 
Land  of  the  noble  free — 

Thy  name — I  love; 
I  love  thy  rocks  and  rills, 
Thy  woods  and  templed  hills 
My  he^rt  with  rapture  thrills 

Like  that  above! 

Let  music  swell  the  breeze, 
And  ring  from  all  the  trees 

Sweet  freedom's  song. 
Let  mortal  tongues  awake; 
Let  all  that  breathe  partake ; 
Let  rocks  their  silence  break — 

The  sound  prolong. 

Our  fathers'  God!  to  Thee, 
Author  of  liberty, 

To  Thee  we  sing. 
Long  may  our  land  be  brigh 
With  freedom's  holy  light. 
Protect  us  by  Thy  might. 

Great  God!  our  King! 

5.      Collation. 


Stratford's  celebration.  35 

AFTERNOON.— (Commencing  at  3  o'clock.) 

6.  Music  by  the  Band. 

7.  Prayer  by  Rev.  Charles  L.  Pardee. 

8.  Address  by  Benjamin  T.  Fairchild,  Esq. 

9.  Address  by  Rev.  George  W.  Judson. 

10.  Music  by  the  Band 

11.  Address  by  Hon.  Curtis  Thompson. 

12.  Address  by  Gen.  Joseph    R.   Elawley. 

13.  Singing — "  Auld  Lang  Syne,"  with  Band  accompaniment. 

'  Auld  Lang  Syne." 

Should  auld  acquaintance  be  forgot 
And  never  brought  to  rnin'  ? 
Should  auld  acquaintance  be  forgot 
And  days  o*  auld  lang  syne? 

Chorus. — For  auld  lang  syne,  my  dear, 

For  auld  lang  syne, 

We'll  take  a  cup  o'  kindness  yet, 

For  auld  lang  syne. 
Aud  here's  a  hand,  my  trusty  fiere, 
And  gie's  a  hand  o'  thine ; 
And  we'll  tak  a  right  good  willie  waught 
For  auld  lang  syne. 

Chorus. — For  auld  lang  syne,  etc. 

14.  Artillery  Salute  and  Ringing  of  Church  Bells,  at  sunset. 

EVENING. 

15.  Tableaux  and  Band  Concert  at  6.30  o'clock. 

TABLEAUX. 

The  tableaux  mentioned  in  the  following  programme  will  consist 
of  representations  of  old  time  life  and  incidents  connected  with  the  early 
history  of  the  town.     The  representations  will  be  as  follows: 

1.     The  arrival  of  the  first  settlers  in  1639. 

The  first  settlers  of  Stratford  consisted  of  seventeen  families,  as  follows: 
(Orcutt,  Vol.   I,  p.  184.) 

Number  of  Persons. 

Rev.  Adam  Blakeinan,  his  wife  and  six  children S 

William  Beardsley,  his  wife  and  four  young  children.  .  .  ; 6 

William    Wileoxson,  his  wife  and  three  young  children •"> 


36  stratfokd's  celebration. 

Number  of  Persons. 

Richard  Harvey  and  his  wife 2 

Widow  Elizabeth  Curtiss  and  two  sons  (young  men) 3 

Thomas  Fairchild  and  his  young  wife 2 

Philip  Grover  and  his  wife 2 

John  Hurd,  probably  his  wife  and  son 3 

Richard  Mills,  his  wife  and  son 3 

William  Judson,  his  wife  and  sons .". 

Francis  Nichols  and  three  sons 4 

John  Peat,  his  wife  and  two  children 4 

Robert  Seabrook 1 

Thomas  Sherwood,  his  wife  and  six  children 8 

William  Crooker  and  wife 2 

William  Quenby,  his  wife  and  two  children \ 

Arthur  Bostwick,  wife  and  son 3 

66 

2.  Trading  with  the  Indians. 

3.  Going  to  Church,  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago. 

At  a  Town  Meeting  in  1689  it  was  voted  as  follows  : 

"Voted  that  the  present  Meeting  House  shall  be  fortified  for  use  as  a  place  of  secur- 
ity for  women  and  children  in  all  times  of  danger." 

4.  Trial  of  Goody  Bassett  for  witchcraft,  in  1650. 

Resolution  passed  by  the  General  Court  at  Hartford,  May.  16iil  : 

"The  Governor,  Mr.  Cullick,  and  Mr.  Clark  are  desired  to  goe  down  to  Stratford  to 
keep  Courte  upon  the  tryal  of  Goody  Bassett  for  her  life,  and  if  the  Governor  cannot  go, 
then  Mr.  Wells  is  to  go  in  his  room." — Colonial  Records.  Yol.  I,  p.  220. 

"  In  a  trial  at  New  Haven  one  of  the  witnesses  in  the  course  of  her  testimony  re- 
ferred to  a  goodwife  Bassett  who  had  been  condemned  for  witchcraft  at  Stratford,  and 
another  alluded  to  the  confession  of  the  witch  at  that  place." — New  Haven  Colonial 
Records,  Vol.  II,  p.  77-88.     Orcutt.  Vol.  I,  p.  147. 

"  The  place  of  Goody  Bassett's  execution  is  pointed  out  by  tradition,  and  would 
seem  to  be  determined  by  the  names  'Gallows  Bridge'  and  'Gallows  Swamp,'  used  in 
the  first  volume  of  Stratford  Records.  The  bridge  was  located  on  the  old  Mill  Road  where 
the  railroad  now  crosses  it." — Orcutt.  Vol.  I,  p.  147-148. 

5.  Moses  Wheeler's  Ferry,  1653. 

Resolution  of  the  General  Court  at  Hartford,  May  18,  1648. 

"  The  motion  made  by  Mr.  Ludlow  concerning  Moses  Wheeler  for  keeping  the  ferry 
at  Stratford,  is  referred  to  such  as  shall  keep  the  next  Court  at  Fairfield,  both  in  behalf  of 
the  country  and  Town  of  Stratford." 

The  Ferry  was  established  and  on  April  14,  1663,  at  Town  Meeting  at  Stratford,  it 
was  voted,  "In  consideration  that  the  passage  to  the  ferry  was  stopped  up,  the  town  gave 
order  to  the  townsmen  to  pull  up  the  fence  and  make  way  for  passengers  where  they  had 
laid  out  the  way  formerly,  and  they  promised  to  bear  them  out  in  that  act." 


Stratford's  celebration.  37 

Moses  Wheeler,  by  tradition,  is  said  to  have  been  a  man  of  great  size  and  strength, 
able  to  lift  a  barrel  of  cider  and  drink  from  the  bung-hole. 

The  first  bridge  built  between  Stratford  and  Milford  was  completed  about  1813. 

6.  The  Wolf  Hunt  of  1693. 

At  a  Town  Meeting  held  April  17,  1693,  "voted  that  all  persons  ratable  should  be 
allowed  for  man  and  horse  in  this  service  of  destroying  wolves  three  shillings  per  day  out 
of  the  town  treasury." 

"  It  was  voted  and  agreed,  that  the  next  Thursday  shall  be  the  day  to  go  upon  this 
business  of  killing  wolves,  if  the  weather  permit,  or  the  next  fair  day ;  all  persons  to  be 
ready  by  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  upon  the  hill  at  the  meeting-house,  by  the  beat  of 
the  drum." 

"Joseph  Curtiss,  residing  near  Old  Farms,  and  others,  went  to  Newtown  to  gather 
grain,  and  on  their  way  home  were  attacked  by  the  wolves  so  furiously  that  they  threw 
their  bags  of  grain  from  their  horses  and  rode  home  at  full  speed,  to  save  themselves  and 
horses."— Orcutt,  Vol.  I,  p.  289;  Vol.  II.  p.  183. 

7.  The  visit  of  Washington  and  Lafayette,  during  the  Revolu- 
tionary War. 

During  the  early  years  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Washington  and  LaFayette  passed 
through  Stratford.  *  *  *  Alice  Benjamin  related,  that  while  she  was  picking  berries 
when  a  child  on  the  banks  of  the  Houaatonic,  near  the  ferry,  she  heard  the  cry  that 
soldiers  were  crossing  the  river.  When  they  landed  she  was  requested  to  show  General 
LaFayette  to  her  father's  (George  Benjamin's)  tavern.  She  walked  from  the  ferry  to  the 
tavern  beside  LaFayette's  horse,  while  the  General  told  her  of  his  children  in  France. 
When  they  reached  the  tavern  she  found  Washington  there.  At  the  table  she  chanced  to 
pass  near  Washington,  who  placed  his  hand  upon  her  head  and  spoke  to  her  most  kindly. — 
Orcutt,  Vol.  I,  p.  390. 

8.  The  Wedding  of  Grlorianna  Folsom  and  John  Sterling,  in  1771. 

In  the  year  1770,  John  Sterling,  of  Edinburg,  Scotland,  son  of  a  Baronet,  while 
traveling  in  America  came  to  the  town  of  Stratford.  While  stopping  at  the  tavern  he  fell 
in  love  with  Glorianna  Folsom,  the  beautiful  daughter  of  the  village  blacksmith.  He  pro- 
longed his  stay,  indefinitely,  in  the  town,  and,  after  great  family  objection,  was  married  to 
Glorianna  in  1771.  He  was  requested  to  return  home  by  his  father,  but  wrote  back  that 
he  was  married  and  could  not  return,  and  the  usual  remittance  not  arriving  he  taught 
school  for  several  months.  In  1772,  upon  the  urgent  request  of  his  father,  young  Sterling 
returned  home,  leaving  his  young  wife  at  Stratford.  In  the  early  part  of  1773  Glorianna 
received  word  that  she  was  to  come  to  Scotland  upon  a  certain  ship,  and  that  goods  had 
been  sent  to  New  York  for  her  outfit,  and  also  servants  to  attend  her.  She  was  fitted  out 
and  went  to  Scotland,  and  in  1791  her  husband  became  a  Baronet.  She  sent  a  doll  to  the 
daughter  of  her  sister,  Anna,  which  is  partly  preserved  to  this  day  and  may  be  seen  at  the 
"loan  exhibition."  A  portion  of  the  dress  goods  sent  to  her  from  Scotland  is  also  pre- 
served by  the  Misses  Elizabeth  and  Maria  Peck,  of  Stratford,  whose  grandmother  was 
Glorianna's  sister. — Orcutt,  Vol.  I,  p.  449 


3s  Stratford's  celebration. 

BAND    CONCERT.  INTERSPERSING   TABLEAUX. 
PROGRAMME. 

1.  War  Memories,      ------  Beyer 

2.  Overture — "  Poet  and  Peasant,"  ....   Suppe 

3.  Waltz — "Santiago,"        ---.-.        Corbin 
•A.  Medley— "  A  Night  in  New  York,"   -         -         -  Brook* 

5.  "  The  Mill  in  the  Forest," — Idylle,  -         -  Wilenberg 

6.  Medley—"  Razzle  D.izzle,"  -         -         -       Occa 

7.  Ethiopa  Jig,  -  -  llteves 

8.  Star  Spangled  Banner. 

ILLUMINATION    AND   FIREWORKS. 

16.  Grand  Illumination  and  Fireworks  at  8  o'clock,   under  the 
direction  of  the  Committee  on  Salutes  and  Fireworks. 

1.  Salute  of  Bomb  Rockets. 

2.  Balloon  Ascent— "The  Educated  Pig." 
.'!.  Balloon  Ascent — "  Jumbo." 

4.  Balloon  Ascent— "  Codfish." 

5.  Display  of  UnXLD  Colored  Rockets. — 1-pounders. 

6.  Display  of  UnXLD  Colored  Rockets. — 2-pounders. 

7.  Display  of  UnXLD  Colored  Floral  Shells. 

8.  Umbrellas  of  Fire. 

9.  Floating  Parachutes,  with  Changing  Stars. 

10.  Display  of  UnXLD  Fancy  Exhibition  Rockets — new  effects. 

11.  UnXLD  Volcanic  Mines. 

12.  Set  Piece—1'  The  Tree  of  Liherty." 

13.  Rainbow  Fountains. 

14.  UnXLD  12-inch  Shells— "Jewelled  Showers." 

15.  Battery  Effect — "Electric  Spreaders." 

16.  Display  of  Weeping  Willow  Rockets. 

17.  Display  of  Fancy  Rockets — ''Horn  of  Plenty." 

18.  Japanese  Shells,  12-inch — "  Oriental  Varieties." 

19.  UnXLD  Meteoric  Balloon,  with  brilliant  trail. 

20.  UnXLD  Shell  Display—''  Prismatic  Clouds." 

Intermission  and  Grand  Emerald  Illumination  of  the  surroundings. 

21.  Brilliant  Crimson  Illumination. 


STRATFORDS   CELEBRATION'.  39 

22.  Display  of  Jewelled  Streamer  and  Shooting  Star  Rockets. 

23.  Set  Piece—"  Sparkling  Waterfall" 

21.     Display  of  Dragons  and  large  Fancy  Rockets. 

25.  Grand  Display  of  Japanese  Shells — "  Eastern  Splendor." 

26.  Grand  Display  of  UnXLD  Shells — Diamonds,  Rubies,  Emer- 

alds and  Pearls. 

27.  Set  Piece — "  Galling  Battery." 

28.  Fiery  Whirlwinds. 

29.  Display  of  Twin  Asteroids  and  Constellation  Rockets. 

30.  Nest  of  Golden  Serpents. 

31.  Set  Piece — "  Chinese  Brilliant."1 

32.  Grand  Aerial  Bouquet. 

33.  Fountains  of  Golden  Spray. 

34.  Extra  Large  Floral  Shells. 

35.  Set  Piece — "  Crystal  Spray  Fountain.'' 

36.  Display  of  Telescope  and  Prize  Cornetic  Rockets. 

37.  Special  Set  Piece,  representing  the  Old  Stratford  Meeting-  House, 

as  it  stood  on  Watch- House  Hill  in  1785.  A  thunder- 
storm arises  and  lightning  strikes  the  structure,  which 
burns  to  the  ground. 

38.  Grand  UnXLD  and  Japanese  Shell  Display. 

39.  Special  Set  Piece—"  1639— (STRATFORD)— 1889." 

40.  Grand  Simultaneous  Flight  of  Colored  Rockets,   forming  a 

vast  Aerial  Bouquet. 
Grand  Illumination  of  the  principal  streets  by  Japanese  Lanterns, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Committee  on  Decorations. 

THE    COMMITTEE    ON    SUBSCRIPTIONS. 

Over  a  month  before  the  celebration  took  place  it  became  evident 
that  the  appropriation  made  by  the  town  would  be  insufficient  to  meet 
the  expense  that  must  be  incurred  to  carry  out  all  the  plans  sug- 
gested by  the  General  Committee. 

Accordingly,  a  special  "Committee  on  Subscriptions"  was  ap- 
pointed, as  follows: 

Frederick  C.  Beach,  John  E.  Holmes, 

George  H.  Spall,  Watson  H.  Smith, 

Charles  B.  Curtis,  J.  Henry  Blakemax. 

It  was  decided,  if  possible,  to  raise  a  fund  of  six  hundred  dollars 
by  voluntary  subscriptions,  and  the  committee,  through  the  patriotic 


40 


STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION. 


and  liberal  spirit  which  prevailed,  soon  had  its  wish  realized,  for  before 
the  celebration  took  place  six  hundred  and  fifty-two  dollars  had 
been  subscribed.  The  following  is  a  nearly  complete  list  of  the  sub- 
scribers : 


Charles  A.  Gilbert, 
Alfred  E.  Beach, 
Frederick  C.  Beach, 
Mrs.  Louisa  A.  Gilbert, 

BlRDSEYE   BLAKEMAN, 

Mrs.  Jesse  Olney, 
Chester  Russell, 
Samuel  William  Johnson, 
Alexander  Hawley, 
Mrs.  George  Nichols, 
William  Barrymore, 
William  Shilston, 
William  Stephens, 
Mrs.  A.  T.  B.  Dewitt. 
Henry  J.  Lewis, 
Benjamin  Holmes, 
Gen'l  James  L.  Curtis, 
John  Benjamin, 
Mrs.  Ezra  Wheeler, 
Arthur  De  F.  Wheeler, 
Jefferson  Clark, 
Samuel  T.  Houghton, 
William  H.  Benjamin. 
Mrs.  Susan  C.  Walker, 
Anson  H.  Blakeman, 
Benjamin  Blakeman, 
John  W.  Sterling, 
John  V.  Wheeler, 
Charles  B.  Curtis. 
Curtis  Thompson, 
Watson  H.  Smith, 
Elizabeth  Linsley. 
Mrs.  Mary  C.  Leavitt, 
William  N.  Ely, 
Robert  L.  Clarkson. 
Samuel  E.  Curtis, 
Alfred  Burritt, 
Robert  G.  Curtis, 
Mrs.  Lewis  W.  Burritt, 
Nehemiah  0.  Gorhaji. 
Lewis  Coe, 
William  Nash, 
L.  M.  Hopkins, 


Edward  L.  Wells, 
Russell  T.  Whiting, 
David  Pendleton, 
Robert  W.  Curtis, 
William  Williamson, 
John  Heeney, 
William  McGrath, 
Patrick  Callahan, 
Frank  Edwards, 
James  Heneghan, 
Benjamin  G.  Ryder. 
Fred'k  \V.  Wilcoxson, 
Lorenzo  B.  Beers, 
Charles  A.  Lovell, 
Asel  Drew. 
Geo.  F.  Lewis,  M.  D.. 
Edwin  F.  Hall, 
Ezra  Whiting, 
William  Hughes, 
William  Strong, 
David  Fitzgerald, 
G.  W.  A.  Collard,  M.  D 
David  W.  Judson, 
William  Hubbell. 
Mrs.   A.  B.  Judd, 
John  0.  M.  Park, 
Charles  H.  Carey, 
Lucius  Judson, 
Fred'k  J.  Beardsley, 
Daniel  C.  Wood, 
Francis  S.  Avery, 
Fred'k  A.  Benjamin, 
Calvin  Curtis, 
John  Lally, 
John  W.  Cottrell, 
Elliott  J.  Peck, 
Preston  H.  Hodges. 
John  Burritt, 
Charles  F.  Judson, 
Augustus  R.  Marshall, 
James  Plumb, 
Mrs.  Daniel  Hatch, 
Lewis  J.  Fairchild. 


Stratford's  celebration.  41 

The  expenses  of  the  celebration  absorbed  six  hundred  dollars,  leav- 
ing a  balance  of  fifty-two  dollars,  which  it  was  afterwards  decided  should 
be  used  towards  defraying  the  cost  of  publishing  a  memorial  of  the 
celebration.  The  committee  made  its  final  report  in  October,  1889,  and 
was  then  discharged. 

THE    COMMITTEE    ON    DECORATIONS. 

Ttie  work  assigned  this  committee  included  the  decorating  of  the 
Town  Hall,  the  Graded  School  building,  and  the  Grand  Stand.  Resi- 
dents along  the  line  of  march  were  requested  to  decorate  their  houses 
and  beautify  their  lawns.  All  the  public  squares  and  lawns  were  care- 
fully mowed  and  raked.  Even  at  the  early  dawn  of  the  day  of  the  cel- 
ebration many  of  the  people  could  be  seen  at  work  tidying  up  their 
places,  and  before  the  procession  began  to  move,  nearly  every  house 
on  the  line  of  march  was  tastefully  decorated.  A  few  of  the  oldest 
houses  had  the  date  of  their  erection,  combined  with  the  figures  "  1889," 
displayed  in  large  characters  over  their  main  entrances. 

Captain  William  Barrymore  greatly  aided  the  committee  in  placing 
strings  of  flags,  kindly  loaned  for  the  occasion  by  the  U.  S.  Navy  De- 
partment, on  the  two  liberty  poles  near  the  public  buildings.  He  was 
also  active  in  decorating  a  few  private  residences. 

The  shipping  in  the  river  was  also  gayly  decorated  in  bunting. 

The  transformation  from  old-time  quietness  to  the  bustle  of  the 
occasion  was  most  effective.  According  to  the  opinion  of  the  oldest 
inhabitants,  the  streets  of  Stratford  never  looked  so  clean  and  hand- 
some as  on  that  day. 

Co-operating  with  the  Committee  on  Decorations  was  a  special 
"  Committee  on  Arches,''  consisting  of  F.  C.  Beach,  C.  G.  Gunther,  and 
Rev.  Charles  L.  Pardee.  An  arch  of  thirty-five  feet  span  and  eighteen 
feet  high,  designed  by  the  committee,  was  erected  across  Main  Street, 
nearly  opposite  the  residence  of  Henry  J.  Lewis,  about  one  hundred 
feet  north  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  It  was  tastefully  trimmed  with 
evergreens  as  a  background,  and  decorated  with  flags,  and  shields  bear- 
ing in  gilt  figures  on  their  faces  1639- — 1889.  Mrs.  C.  G.  Gunther 
materially  aided  the  committee  in  preparing  these  shields,  while  Mr.  C. 
G.  Gunther  and  Rev.  Charles  L.  Pardee  supervised  and  did  most  of  the 
work  of  decorating  the  arch.  The  top  of  the  arch  was  decorated  with 
the  Connecticut  State  colors,  and  very  appropriately  surmounted  with 
a  stuffed  eagle,  with  wings  gracefully  out-stretched,  which  was  kindly 
loaned  for  the  occasion  by  C.  A.  Hayes,  of  Bridgeport. 


42  stratford's  celebration. 

On  the  right-hand  side  of  the  illustration  entitled  "  The  Military 
Parade,"  in  the  distance  will  be  seen  the  general  shape  of  the  arch.  It 
was  so  placed  as  to  require  the  procession  to  pass  under  it  twice. 

An  additional  duty  imposed  upon  the  Committee  on  Decorations 
was  the  provision  of  illuminations  for  the  streets  after  nightfall.  Main 
Street,  from  the  railroad  to  the  corner  of  Stratford  Avenue,  was  hung 
with  Japanese  lanterns,  two  upon  each  large  elm-tree;  lanterns  were 
also  hung  upon  all  trees  on  Church  Street  leading  to  the  railroad  sta- 
tion, also  through  Railroad  Avenue  to  Broad  Street,  through  Broad  to 
Main  Street,  and  on  New  Lane  Street  from  Main  Street  to  Elm  Street; 
also  on  the  three  rows  of  trees  in  Elm  Street  as  far  south  as  Sandy  Hol- 
low, and  on  all  the  trees  around  Academy  Hill.  Upon  the  monument 
were  suspended  numerous  Japanese  lanterns.  The  work  of  hanging 
and  lighting  such  a  large  number  of  lanterns,  estimated  t'o  have  been 
over  a  thousand,  was  successfully  accomplished. 

THE    COMMITTEE   ON    SALUTES,    FIREWORKS,    AND    ILLUMINATIONS. 

The  obtaining  of  a  suitable  cannon  for  the  firing  of  the  morning, 
noon,  and  sunset  salutes  was  one  of  the  chief  things  this  committee  had 
to  do.  Mr.  John  W.  Thompson  and  Mr.  Watson  H.  Smith,  of  this 
committee,  arranged  with  the  Mayor  of  New  Haven  to  secure  the  use 
of  a  cannon  belonging  to  the  State,  kept  at  New  Haven  for  similar 
purposes. 

The  cannon  arrived  the  afternoon  previous  to  "  Celebration  Day," 
and  was  located  in  position  on  Academy  Hill  the  same  evening  by 
Mr.  John  E.  Holmes.  Soon  after,  the  powder  for  the  gun  arrived  from 
New  Haven,  having  been  brought  over  in  a  wagon.  Mr.  Aaron 
Belden,  who  for  forty  years  has  had  charge  of  the  State  gun  at  New 
Haven,  came  with  two  assistants,  to  look  after  and  help  tire  the  cannon. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  celebration  day  the  gun  was  quickly 
planted  in  position,  with  its  mouth  towards  the  northwest.  As  the  first 
light  of  the  rising  sun  reflected  from  the  gilded  weather-cock  on  the 
spire  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  the  order  to  fire  was  given,  and  the  lan- 
yard was  pulled  by  Mr.  Belden,  he  thus  having  the  honor  of  firing  the 
first  salute  on  that  notable  day.  Subsequent  salutes  were  fired  in  the 
morning,  at  noon,  and  at  sunset  by  Mr.  John  W.  Thompson.  No  acci- 
dent happened  to  mar  this  feature  of  the  celebration. 

During  the  firing  of  the  salutes,  the  bells  of  nearly  all  the 
churches  were  rang. 


STRATFORD  S   CELEBRATION.  43 

Another  important  work  the  committee  had  in  charge  was  the 
selection  of  fireworks,  the  same  not  to  cost  over  three  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars,  yet  to  be  of  sufficient  variety  to  make  a  display  which  should 
suitably  close  the  exercises  of  the  day.  A  contract  was  awarded  to  the 
Unexcelled  Fireworks  Company,  of  New  York,  who  sent  skilled  men 
to  set  up. and  fire  them.  The  barn  of  Mr.  Henry  J.  Lewis  was  kindly 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  committee  for  the  storage  and  unpacking 
of  the  fireworks. 

During  the  afternoon,  the  set  pieces  were  placed  in  position  on 
the  north  side  of  Academy  Hill.  The  committee  was  assisted  in  the 
work  by  Messrs.  Frederick  C.  Beach,  James  E.  Hubbell  and  Bruce 
H.  Weller. 


(Erected  1839.) 


METHODIST    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH. 

From  a  Photograph  by  F.  C.  Beach,  1890. 


Stratford's  celebration.  45 


EXERCISES    OF    THE    MORNING. 


When  the  early  dawn  of  the  morning  of  October  8d  was  ushered 
in  with  a  clear  sky,  invigorating  air,  and  every  prospect  of  a  perfect 
autumn  day,  the  anxious  misgivings  entertained  by  those  having  the 
success  of  the  long  anticipated  celebration  at  heart,  as  to  the  clemency 
of  the  weather,  were  turned  into  general  rejoicing. 

Nor  was  this  circumstance  of  slight  importance,  for  with  the 
elaborate  programme  of  the  day,  consisting  of  continuous  out-door 
exercises,  the  labor  and  preparation  of  months  would  have  been  of 
little  avail  without  the  aid  of  a  bright  and  joyous  day  in  keeping 
with  the  occasion. 

Especially  did  the  Committee  of  Citizens,  upon  whose  shoulders 
rested  the  responsibility  of  sustaining  the  old  town's  credit,  experience 
a  genuine  sense  of  relief  when  the  sun  rose  above  the  eastern  horizon 
in  all  its  splendor  as  if  to  assure  the  dwellers  in  this  ancient  town  that 
all  nature  would  smile  upon  their  efforts  to  do  honor  to  those  founders 
of  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago. 

The  townspeople  were  early  astir ;  those  not  assigned  work  in 
the  preparations  to  be  made  for  the  big  parade  and  the  exercises  of  the 
day,  having  equally  arduous  duties  to  perform  in  the  preparations 
universally  made  throughout  the  community  to  receive  and  entertain 
with  old  time  hospitality  the  guests  and  visitors  who  were  soon  to 
throng  the  village. 

The  arrival  of  the  visitors  on  that  morning  meant  to  some,  more 
than  a  day  of  sight-seeing  and  entertainment,  for  their  presence  among 
us  was  to  be  the  occasion  of  happy  reunions  in  many  a  family  from 
whose  hearth-stone  sons  and  daughters  had  gone  forth  to  tight  the 
battle  of  life  in  distant  communities. 

The  first  demonstration  in  the  day's  exercises,  and  marking  the 
opening  of  the  official  programme,  was  the  ringing  of  the  church  bells 
at  sunrise,  and  a  salute  of  forty-two  guns,  one  for  each  State  of  the 
Union,  fired  from  the  rise  of  ground  to  be  known  in  the  future  as 


46  stratford's  celebration. 

'•Monument  Hill."  As  the  morning  advanced,  the  main  street  of  the 
village  became  transformed  from  the  quiet  thoroughfare  it  was  wont  to 
be,  into  one  of  bustle  and  activity. 

From  all  parts  of  the  town  the  people  wended  their  way  to  the 
centre  of  the  village  which  became  b}^  common  consent  the  rendezvous 
for  the  expectant  crowds ;  but  this  earl)'- gathering  of  townspeople  was 
to  be  only  a  small  proportion  of  the  day's  assemblage,  for  with  every 
incoming  train  hundreds  of  the  interested  and  the  curious  poured  into 
the  town. 

In  addition  to  the  miscellaneous  crowd  of  sight-seers,  the  different 
military  and  civic  organizations  from  neighboring  towns  arrived  in  rapid 
succession,  until  even  the  oldest  inhabitant  became  bewildered  at  the 
numbers  which  the  old  town  contained,  and  was  forced  to  the  conces- 
sion that  never  before  in  her  history  had  old  Stratford  acted  the  part 
of  hostess  to  so  many  guests.  It  is  estimated  that  from  10,000  to  12,000 
people  were  present,  and  the  village  was  literally  rilled  to  overflowing. 

It  was  a  joyous  day,  and  the  crowds  on  the  streets  were  thorough  lv 
imbued  with  the  spirit  of  the  occasion. 

Although  complete  preparations  had  been  made  by  Robert  L. 
Glarkson,  Sheriff  of  the  County,  assisted  by  his  Deputies,  to 
preserve  the  public  peace  and  protect  the  property  of  citizens  from  the 
depredations  usuall}r  attending  an  assemblage  of  such  magnitude,  no 
disturbances  occurred  and  police  interference  happily  became  unneces- 
sarj.  In  addition  to  the  shrievalty  of  the  county,  the  town  constable- 
were  on  the  alert,  and  a  special  constabulary  of  private  citizens  were 
sworn  in,  to  aid  the  sheriff  if  it  became  necessary,  in  the  maintenance 
of  peace  and  order.  The  presence  of  this  well  organized  police  force 
together  with  the  universal  good  nature  exhibited  by  the  constantly 
moving  crowd,  prevented  the  success  of  the  occasion  from  being 
marred  by  any  troublesome  episode. 

Long  before  the  parade  was  formed,  the  points  of  interest  within 
the  town,  which  had  previously  been  designated  by  small  sign-board.-, 
had  been  visited  by  the  numerous  throng. 

The  old  houses  placarded  with  the  figures  of  the  year  in  which 
they  were  built,  some  of  the  dates  running  as  far  back  in  the  past  as 
the  year  1712  :  the  broad  streets  lined  with  the  grand  old  elms  for  which 
Stratford  is  famed;  the  handsomely  adorned  arch  which  had  been  con- 
structed across  Main  Street  near  the  Episcopal  Church  ;  the  Soldiers' 
Monument  on  "  Academy  Hill,"  draped  with  American  flags  and  ready 
for  tlic  dedication  ceremonies  :  the  large  collection  at  the  Town  Hall,  of 


stkatfokd's  celebration.  47 

old  time  relics,  in  itself  one  of  the  most  interesting  features  of  the  day  : 
the  elaborate  decorations  on  the  public  buildings  and  private  residences, 
and  the  shipping  in  the  harbor  covered  with  flags  and  bunting ;  ail 
came  in  for  a  generous  share  of  interest  and  furnished  entertainment  to 
the  visitors  in  the  interim  between  their  arrival  and  the  formation  of 
the  procession. 

The  newspapers  of  New  York,  Bridgeport  and  New  Haven, 
recognizing  the  public  interest  centered  in  the  celebration  of  the 
founding  of  one  of  the  oldest  towns  in  the  United  States,  sent  their 
representatives  to  the  scene.  They  were  entertained  by  the  Press 
Committee  and  escorted  in  the  carriages  placed  at  their  disposal, 
around  the  village. 

As  the  guests  who  had  received  special  invitations  from  the  Citizens' 
Committee,  including  the  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the  State  and  the 
public  officials  of  sister  towns,  arrived  at  the  depot,  they  were  conducted 
by  the  Reception  Committee  to  the  residence  of  David  l\  Rhoades, 
Esq.,  to  wait  while  the  Marshal  and  his  aids,  earl}-  on  duty,  were  busily 
engaged  in  assigning  to  the  organizations  their  proper  places  in  line. 

The  highway  and  common  at  the  intersection  of  Broad  and  Main 
Streets,  selected  as  the  place  of  formation,  was  admirably  adapted  to  the 
purpose,  and  by  ten  o'clock  was  the  central  point  of  interest.  The 
uniformed  bodies  of  men  marching  in  different  directions- to  the  places 
assigned  them  ;  the  bands  of  music  and  drum  corps  each  claiming  the 
ear  of  the  .appreciative  spectators:  the  carriages  of  every  description, 
from  the  old-fashioned  gig  in  keeping  with  the  memories  of  the  day  to 
the  handsome  vehicle  of  modern  style,  which  thronged  the  side  streets; 
all  contributed  to  the  picture  of  gayety  presented. 

Five  divisions  were  made  of  the  military  and  civic  organizations 
present. 

The  First  Division  formed  on  Main  Street,  its  right  resting  on 
Broad  Street.  The  Second  Division  formed  on  the  north  side  of  Broad 
Street,  its  right  resting  on  Main,  and  the  Third  on  "  New  Lane,'"  or 
East  Broad  Street,  its  right  resting  on  Main. 

Promptly  at  10.45  a.  m.,  the  time  previously  decided  upon,  the 
procession  moved. 

It  was  estimated  that  there  were  two  thousand  men  in  line,  and 
eighteen  towns  were  represented  by  the  various  organizations  partici- 
pating. As  they  passed  over  the  long  line  of  march  with  military 
precision,  the -vast  concourse  of  people  lining  the  way  on  both  sides 
minced  their  interest  and  appreciation  by  cheers  and  applause. 


48  stratford's  celebration. 

Colonel  Selah  B.  Blakeman  acted  as  Grand  Marshal,  and  the 
promptness  and  efficiency  with  which  his  task  was  accomplished  demon- 
strated the  wisdom  of  the  selection. 

The  following  named  gentlemen  assisted  the  Marshal  in  the 
performance  of  his  duties,  and  contributed  largely  to  the  prompt  carry- 
ing out  of  the  arrangements  for  the  parade  and  ensuring  its  success  : 

Captain  Eugene  Morehouse,   Chief  of  Starr. 

AIDS: 

J.  Henry  Blakeman,  Frederick  S.  Beardsley, 

Silas  Burton,  Charles  B.  Curtis, 

Samuel  C.  Lewis,  George  H.  Tomlinson, 

Gideon  M.  Wakelee,  Dwight  E.  Wakelee, 

Charles  H.  Wells,  George  F.  Cook, 

Louis  H.  Wells,  Henry  F.  Meachen, 

Frank  E.  Blakeman,  William  Williamson, 

George  W.  Coy.  William  A.  Stagg. 

The  Fourth  Regiment,  Connecticut  National  Guard,  under  Colonel 
Thomas  L.  Watson,  headed  by  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Band,  led  the 
procession  in  fine  form,  its  military  carriage  and  steady  marching 
evoking  continued  applause  along  the  line.  Next  came  the  carriages 
containing  the  citizens'  committee,  the  orators  of  the  day,  and  the 
invited  guests. 

Behind  the  procession  of  carriages  marched  the  members  of  the 
Grand  Army  Posts,  which  constituted  the  Second  Division.  As  these 
veterans,  many  of  whom  carried  the  scars  of  battle,  marched  along,  and 
the  spectators  gazed  into  the  faces  of  men  who  had  fought  the  battles  of 
the  Republic,  hats  were  raised  and  cheers  went  forth  for  the  survivors 
of  our  civil  war. 

The  Hook  and  Ladder  and  Fire  Companies,  composing  the  Third 
Division,  made  an  excellent  appearance,  and  in  their  neat  costumes  won 
the  admiration  of  all. 

The  Fourth  Division,  embracing  the  civic  societies  which  had  turned 
out  in  honor  of  the  occasion,  also  came  in  for  their  share  of  the  interest 
manifested  by  Stratford's  visitors.  An  interesting  feature  of  the  par- 
ade, in  the  Fourth  Division,  was  the  "Cupheag  Club,"  of  Stratford,  a 
social  organization  composed  of  a  number  of  the  young  men  of  the 
town.  The  members  of  the  club  were  arrayed  in  fantastic  garb,  repre- 
senting Indians,  and  on  their  ponies  strongly  suggested  the  manner  of 
people  that  the  early  settlers  both  bartered  and  fought  with.     A  large 


&  E 

q  > 

*  33 

P  •< 

W  13 

w  > 

D 

o  m 


Stratford's  celebration.  49 

wigwam,  on  wheels,  made  realistic  in  its  appearance  by  its  covering  of 
skins,  was  a  part  of  the  club's  outfit. 

The  procession,  passing  under  the  handsomely  decorated  arch  near 
the  Episcopal  Church,  proceeded  down  Main  Street  and  over  the  route 
indicated  in  the  official  programme.  Never  before  had  the  village  pre- 
sented a  more  attractive  appearance,  and  as  the  procession  continued 
its  way  under  the  noble  old  elms  bordering  the  line  of  march,  and 
which  still  retained  their  summer  foliage,  passing  the  dwellings  fash- 
ioned in  the  architecture  of  two  centuries  ago,  and  over  the  broad 
avenues  of  the  village  which  are  a  source  of  pride  to  its  people,  the  ex- 
pressions of  admiration  for  the  beauty  of  the  town  were  open  and 
general. 

After  traversing  Elm  and  King  streets,  the  procession  again  turned 
into  Main  Street,  and  at  the  intersection  of  the  "Air  Line  "  road  halted 
for  a  brief  rest,  while  the  peal  of  church  bells  and  a  salute  of  thirteen 
guns  indicated  that  the  hour  of  noon  had  arrived.  Continuing  onward 
to  "  Paradise  Green,"  the  northern  terminus  of  the  parade,  and  making 
the  circuit  of  this  beautiful  plot  of  town  common,  the  procession  began 
its  return  march,  the  head  of  the  column  meeting  the  still  advancing 
organizations  at  the  lower  or  south  end  of  the  common,  passing  directly 
down  Main  Street  to  the  front  of  the  Grand  Stand  on  Academy  Hill, 
where  the  monument  stood,  draped  with  the  national  emblems  which 
concealed  it  from  view. 

The  troops  formed  a  hollow  square  facing  the  monument,  the 
Grand  Army  Posts  and  other  organizations  forming  an  interior  line, 
nearer  to  the  monument,  but  leaving  a  wide  open  space  between  the 
monument  and  the  grand  stand,  which  had  been  erected  on  the  south 
side  of  the  shaft,  one  hundred  feet  distant. 

As  soon  as  the  divisions  had  been  aligned  in  their  places  around 
the  monument,  and  the  guests  had  been  seated  on  the  platform,  the 
dedicatory  exercises  began  in  the  presence  of  an  audience  of  more  than 
two  thousand  people,  gathered  upon  the  hill. 

After  a  selection  by  the  band,  the  Rev.  Joel  S.  Ives,  the  pastor  of 
the  Congregational  Church  in  Stratford,  offered  the  following  prayer: 

PRAYER. 

O  God  of  Nations,  we  invoke  Thy  favor.  Thou  hast  been  our 
fathers'  God ;  Thou  art  the  God  of  the  children  also.  Through  the 
centuries  Thou  hast  blessed  Thy  people  :  bless  us  to-day 


50  stratford's  celebration". 

Thou  God  of  Battles,  hear  our  prayer.  Thou  dost  lift  up  and  cast 
down,  according  to  the  infinite  counsels  of  eternit}\  For  our  prosperity 
as  a  nation  we  thank  Thee ;  for  Thy  favor  to  this  ancient  common- 
wealth, for  Thy  guiding  and  protecting  arm  in  this  community,  whose 
anniversary  we  celebrate  to-day,  for  Thy  fatherly  solicitude  toward  all 
Thy  children. 

We  would  recount  the  good  hand  of  the  Lord  with  us  in  the  dark 
days  of  war.  We  thank  Thee  for  the  holy  men  and  women  who,  for 
conscience'  sake,  built  their  brave  homes  in  this  new  land.  We  thank 
Thee  for  the  foresight  and  courage  which  gave  us  independence,  for  the 
sacrifice  and  loyalty  which  preserved  it :  and  we  would  invoke  the 
richest  of  divine  blessings  upon  this  remnant  of  the  grand  army  who 
maintained  the  honor  of  our  flag,  beseeching  Thy  favor  for  them  and 
theirs.  We  are  not  unmindful  of  the  broken  ranks — of  those  who  have 
fought  the  fight  and  finished  their  course.  Command  Thy  blessing, 
we  humbly  pra}',  as  we  now  dedicate  this  memorial,  this  monument 
built  by  loving  hands,  to  the  devotion,  loyalty  and  sacrifice  of  those 
who  gave  their  lives  for  the  Nation's  life.  * 

Bless,  we  pray  Thee,  these  representatives  of  the  Connecticut 
National  Guard  and  all  who  are  in  the  divine  presence,  and  may  the 
virtues  of  the  fathers  and  the  loyalty  of  the  "  boys  in  blue  "'  be  an  in- 
spiration to  braver  lives  and  nobler  deeds. 

We  invoke  Thy  blessing  in  all  the  exercises  of  the  day.  In  Thy 
wisdom  sruide  us.  We  thank  Thee  for  all  the  hallowed  memories 
awakened,  and  most  earnestly  beseech  Thee  that  when  the  work  of 
life  is  with  each  of  us  complete,  we  may  find  an  abundant  entrance 
into  Thy  presence  and  the  rest  of  the  Eternal  Home,  through  riches  of 
srace  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


At  the  close  of  this  prayer,  Mr.  Henry  P.  Stagg,  President  of  the 
Veteran  Association,  standing  upon  the  mound  at  the  foot  of  the  monu- 
ment, and  addressing  the  President  of  the  day  upon  the  grand  stand, 
presented  the  monument  to  the  town  in  the  following  words  : 

Mr.  President:  In  behalf  of  the  Stratford  Veteran  Association, 
which  I  have  on  this  occasion  the  honor  to  represent,  I  take  pleasure  in 
presenting  to  you,  as  the  duly  accredited  representative  of  the  town  of 
Stratford,  this  monument.  In  vesting  in  the  town  this  tribute  to  the 
memory  of  our  fallen  comrades,  we  know  that  we  have  selected  a  safe 


STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION.  51 

custodian  for  that  which  is  dear  to  the  hearts  of  the  survivors  of  our 
late  war.  May  this  monument,  now  the  property  of  the  citizens  of  this 
town,  ever  remain  upon  this  historic  ground,  a  perpetual  memorial  to 
those  who  fought  for  liberty  and  saved  the  Union. 

Mr.  Stiles  Judson,  Jr.,  President  of  the  day,  accepted  the  monu- 
ment for  the  town,  speaking  as  follows  : 

Sir:  In  the  name  and  in  behalf  of  the  town  of  Stratford,  I  accept 
this  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Monument  which  you,  in  your  official  capa- 
city, have  just  presented.  In  accepting  it,  allow  me  to  express  to  you 
and  your  comrades  the  high  appreciation  which  our  towns-people  feel 
for  this  splendid  gift,  which  all  are  aware  is  the  result  of  untiring  effort 
and  labor  on  the  part  of  the  Veteran  Association  of  this  town. 

For  many  years  our  citizens  have  desired  that  there  should  be 
within  our  village  some  suitable  memorial  to  those  heroes  who  from 
this  community  responded  to  their  country's  call,  and  gave  up  their 
lives  in  defence  of  the  Republic.  To  the  end  that  this  ambition  might 
be  gratified  were  your  labors  put  forth,  with  the  knowledge  that  your 
reward  would  be  in  the  consciousness  that  the  memory  of  those  fallen 
dead  would  thereby  be  perpetuated,  and  in  the  unveiling  of  this  shaft 
to-day  in  the  presence  of  this  gathering  of  people,  you  can  justly  feel 
that  your  efforts  have  been  crowned  with  success.  From  this  time,  not 
only  will  this  tribute  of  affection  to  your  deceased  comrades,  standing  on 
this  beautiful  rise  of  ground,  be  an  adornment  to  our  village,  but  it  will 
be  a  visible  and  constant  reminder  to  the  generations  to  come  of  the 
sacrifices  made  by  these  fallen  heroes,  that  the  integrity  of  the  Union 
might  be  preserved. 

With  peace  and  plenty  about  us  and  the  nation  again  united  and 
prosperous,  let  us  not  forget  that  the  arm  should  always  be  nerved  to 
action  in  support  of  principle;  and  though  war  be  not  waged,  yet  those 
same  traits  of  character  which  were  displayed  upon  the  battlefield  a 
quarter  of  a  century  ago,  are  to-day  fully  as  necessary  in  the  making 
up  of  sterling  manhood  and  good  citizenship. 

God  forbid  that  this  nation  should  ever  again  witness  a  strife  call- 
ing for  the  lives  of  her  brave  sons  ;  yet  their  death  for  country  and 
humanit}'  was  not  in  vain,  for  their  deeds  of  valor  shall  ever  live  in  the 
heart  of  every  loyal  citizen,  whether  their  names  are  engraved  upon 
enduring  monuments  or  whether  they  lie  in  nameless  and  unmarked 
graves. 

The  erection  of  this  memorial  shall  not  be  without  its  fruits,  for  it 


52  STRATFORD  S   CELEBRATION. 

will  stand  iu  the  centre  of  this  beautiful  village  as  a  silent  exhortation 
to  the  youth  of  this  town  to  keep  alive  the  embers  of  patriotism,  and  to 
cherish  that  love  of  country  which  should  glow  with  holy  lustre  in  the 
breast  of  every  American  citizen. 

Commander  of  the  Department  of  Connecticut,  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  Sir,  I  have  been  authorized  to  invite  you  at  this  time  to 
accept  from  the  citizens  of  Stratford,  at  the  hands  of  its  accredited 
representatives,  this  memorial,  and  to  request  that  it  may  be  dedicated 
by  you  to  the  noble  purpose  for  which  it  has  been  erected. 


Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  President's  address,  the  veil  which 
had  concealed  the  monument  from  view  was  drawn  aside  by  Misses 
Mary  E.  Wilcoxson  and  Georgiana  Thompson,  both  daughters  of 
veterans. 

Immediately  following  the  unveiling  of  the  shaft,  Gen.  William 
H.  Pierpont,  of  New  Haven,  Department  Commander,  G.  A.  R,,  and 
his  staff  of  assistants  were  escorted  from  the  Grand  Stand  to  the  monu- 
ment, where  the  ceremonies  of  dedication  were  carried  out  with  the 
impressive  ritual  of  the  Grand  Army. 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  these  ceremonies,  the  President  of  the  day 
introduced  to  the  audience  as  the  orator  of  the  occasion  the  Rev.  I.  M. 
Foster,  himself  a  veteran  of  the  war,  who,  in  the  experiences  of  the 
battle-field  and  of  Southern  prisons,  had  demonstrated  his  loyalty  to 
his  country  and  his  fitness  to  voice  the  sentiments  and  the  memories  of 
the  survivors  of  the  War  of  the  Rebellion. 

Mr.  Foster  spoke  as  follows : 
Mr.  Chairman,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen,  Comrades: 

Twenty-four  years  have  passed  since  the  sound  of  battle  died  away 
on  our  shores,  and  our  victorious  armies  were  disbanded,  and  our  brave 
boys  returned  to  their  homes  and  peaceful  avocations.  But  as  these 
years  have  come  and  gone,  they  have  failed  to  erase  from  our  memories 
the  scenes  through  which  we  passed  or  to  lesson  our  love  for  the  prin- 
ciples for  which  we  fought  Nor  can  we  soon  forget  that  the  bones 
of  our  loved  ones  are  bleaching  upon  more  than  a  hundred  battle-fields, 
and  that  all  the  rivers  of  the  South  have  been  reddened  with  their 
blood.     Because  these  scenes  are  fresh  in  our  memories,  and  the  princi- 


stratford's  celebration.  53 

pies  and  facts  too,  are  dear  to  our  hearts,  we  gather  to-day  to  unveil 
this  monument  which  voices  to  us  the  loyal  devotion  of  the  men  who 
fell  in  the  defence  of  the  right.  And  surely  this  is  fitting,  and  not  one, 
methinks,  will  hesitate  to  bring  their  offering  or  to  present  their  tribute, 
when  for  a  moment  we  consider  the  results  secured  to  us  by  their 
valor. 

It  is  to  the  valor  of  union  arms  that  we  to-day  owe  our  continuance 
as  a  people  ;  to  union  soldiers  we  are  indebted  for  the  opportunity  to 
work  out  the  future  possibilities  of  this  nation  and  to  accomplish  the 
purpose  God  had  in  view  when  he  created  us  a  people. 

I  believe  that  much  more  was  involved  in  the  late  war  than  pre- 
serving intact  the  power  of  the  Government.  This  was  worth  our 
mightiest  effort.  But  in  doing  this,  in  sacrificing  and  struggling  to  pre- 
serve the  structure  our  fathers  reared,  we  did  much  more. 

For  eighty-five  years  we  had  been  the  spectacle  of  Autocracies, 
Aristocracies  and  Monarchies,  and  had  been  derided  with  the  assertion 
that  our  power  would  be  insufficient  to  cope  with  great  trouble  at  home, 
but  we  would  in  the  end  go  down  as  all  other  republics  had  done. 
The  valor  of  our  brave  boys  added  the  last  proof,  necessary  to  demon- 
strate the  possibility  and  exemplify  the  success  of  self-government.  For 
until  we  gave  proof  of  its  success,  the  monarchies  of  the  old  world  had 
declared  that  such  a  government  could  not  live ;  and  to  this  assertion 
was  there  added  the  repeated  attempts  to  establish  a  republic,  but  these 
attempts  had  failed. 

The  principles  underlaying  the  two  forms  of  government,  mon- 
archy and  democracy,  have  ever  been  in  conflict.  In  the  one,  the 
king  rules  by  supposed  hereditary  right,  his  claim  to  the  throne  being 
based  on  blood  and  descent ;  while  in  the  other  the  only  warrant  of  the 
governor  is  found  in  the  consent  of  the  governed.  Monarchy  regards  the 
people  as  subjects  of  the  king,  who  are  ever  to  remain  his  subjects  ;  while 
democracy  asserts  the  manhood  of  the  masses,  and  every  man's  right  to 
individual  liberty.  Monarchy  recognizes  a  few  as  born  to  rule;  and  all 
the  rest  to  obey  ;  democracy  declares  all  men  are  born  equal  and  each 
man  has  a  voice  in  making  the  laws  which  all  must  obey. 

These  two  principles  have  been  at  war,  and  have  alternately  over- 
come and  succeeded  each  other. 

Here  and  there  in  the  world's  history,  republics  have#existed  for  a 
time,  but  only  for  a  time,  and  passing  away,  monarchy  ruled  instead. 
And  it  must  be  confessed  that  the  successive  overthrow  of  the  world's 
republics  constituted  a  disheartening  volume  to  the  student  of  history 


54  stratford's  celebration. 

a  hundred  years  ago.  Whatever  prosperity  and  success  they  might 
have  temporarily  achieved,  the  stern  fact  alone  remained  that  they  had 
all  foundered  and  gone  down ;  and  this  fact  was  regarded  as  having 
settled  for  ever  the  impracticability  if  not  the  impossibility  of  popular 
government ;  and  the  monarchs  of  the  old  world  in  consequence,  a  hun- 
dred years  ago,  pulled  their  crowns  down  tight  upon  their  brows,  and 
declared  themselves  "  Kings  by  the  grace  of  God,"  disdaining  to  rule  by 
the  will  of  the  people. 

So  much  the  greater  honor  to  the  brave  men,  who  dared  at  the  be- 
ginning of  our  history  to  pledge  "  their  lives,  their  fortunes  and  their 
sacred  honor,"  in  another  attempt  at  what  had  failed  so  signally  and 
often  before.  The  truth  is  that  government  by  the  people,  had  never 
before  been  fairly  tested ;  and  the  supposed  failures  of  this  principle 
had  therefore  been  only  apparent,  not  real.  It  is  easy  to  be  deceived 
by  names  ;  what  is  called  a  republic  in  Europe  is  a  very  different  thing 
from  that  which  we  call  bv  the  same  name  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 

J 

But  every  attempt  and  failure  to  establish  a  republic  suggested  the 
possibility  of  something  better  in  the  future.  The  old  perished,  but 
from  its  grave  a  grander  form  has  risen. 

A  hundred  years  ago,  a  feeble  people,  we  broke  away  from  British 
tyranny,  and  the  old  State  House  bell  in  Philadelphia  rang  out  "  Liberty 
throughout  all  the  land,  and  to  all  the  inhabitants  thereof ;"  and  declar- 
ing to  the  world  their  belief  that  "  all  men  are  created  equal ;  that  they 
are  endowed  with  certain  inalienable  rights  ;  that  among  these  are  life, 
liberty  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness ;"  our  fathers  sought  to  establish  a 
republic  that  should  attend  the  funeral  of  all  the  monarchies  upon  the 
face  of  the  earth. 

It  was  a  grand  experiment  they  made,  and  it  has  now  been  tested  by 
more  than  a  hundred  years,  and  the  test  has  been  a  bloody  one.  We 
have  been  attacked  by  foreign  foes,  and  have  been  united  enough  to  re- 
pel them.  We  have  marched  into  other  countries  and  have  been  able 
to  conquer  them.  But  at  last  we  were  rent  and  torn  by  internal  rebel- 
lion ;  enemies  rose  in  our  midst,  which  sought  the  overthrow  of  the  Re- 
public. To  meet  these  enemies,  did  our  fathers  and  sons  and  brothers 
march  forth  ;  to  grapple  with  the  strongest  foe  that  has  as  yet  attacked 
the  life  of  the  nation,  did  this  grand  army  go  forth.  The  eyes  of  all  the 
world  were  on  us.  Kings  and  Emperors  watched  with  interest  the  pro- 
gress of  the  war,  expecting,  yea,  even  longing,  to  see  us  dismembered 
and  destroyed,  that  they  might  echo  to  the  world  "democracy  is  a 
failure,  we  rule  by  Divine  right." 


Stratford's  celebration.  55 

But  the  cannon  balls  striking  against  Sumter's  walls,  echoed  and 
re-echoed  over  the  hills  and  through  the  valleys  of  the  Northern  States, 
calling  from  their  quiet  homes  a  hundred  thousand  noble  men,  who, 
meeting  at  Vicksburg,  at  Gettysburg,  and  in  the  Wilderness,  at  Peters- 
burg, and  Richmond,  stood  as  the  defence  of  the  nation,  and  lifted  higher 
and  still  higher  our  noble  old  flag,  till  floating  in  the  azure  blue  all  na- 
tions could  see  it,  and  all  lands  were  impressed  with  the  truth  that  we 
could  govern  ourselves. 

Patriotism  was  not  dead.  Love  of  liberty  had  not  departed.  The 
spirit  of  our  fathers  had  not  forsaken  us.  We  are  their  sons ;  and  to 
preserve  the  heritage  they  had  bequeathed  to  us,  and  to  vindicate  the 
power  of  democracy  before  the  world,  brave  men  suffered,  fought  and 
died.  And  what  are  the  results  ?  Were  they  successful ;  or  did  they 
die  in  vain  ?  Nay,  not  so ;  for  to-day  this  great  republic  stands  before 
the  world  with  her  powers  tested  and  developed,  having  forced  the  con- 
clusion into  the  minds  of  all,  that  democracy  is  a  thing  of  life.  To-day 
her  promise  of  life  is  better  than  at  any  former  period  of  her  history. 
Free  from  fetters  and  chains,  we  have  entered  upon  the  new  century 
with  renewed  strength  and  vigor,  with  possibilities  beyond  conception. 
Its  victories  were  to  demonstrate  the  truth  that  men  have  the  right  and 
power  to  govern  themselves ;  but  the  demonstrating  to  the  world  the 
power  of  democracy  was  not  the  sole  object  of  the  war.  It  was,  indeed, 
a  grand  result,  to  bring  the  monarchs  of  the  old  world  to  the  recognition 
of  the  fact  that  democracy  meant  life,  vitality  and  power ;  it  was  indeed, 
an  achievement  of  which  we  may  be  proud,  to  force  the  kingdoms  of 
Europe  to  see  that  the  American  Republic  was  not  a  weak,  driveling 
child,  but  a  giant  of  whom  they  may  well  stand  in  awe.  It  was  surely 
a  glorious  thing  to  give  to  the  world  the  last  proof  necessary  to  exem- 
plify the  success  of  self-government ;  but,  closely  linked  to  these,  was 
another  result  of  equally  great  importance — indeed,  of  greater  value. 

By  the  valor  of  our  comrades  was  it  made  possible  for  us  to  work- 
out the  mission  God  had  in  view  in  creating  us  a  people. 

As  God  is  the  author  of  individual  life,  so  is  He  of  national  life  ; 
and  as  to  men  a  mission  is  committed,  a  work  to  be  wrought  out,  so  is 
it  with  nations. 

All  the  facts  of  our  national  history  warrant  the  conclusion  that  we 
were  created  a  people  for  the  accomplishment  of  a  special  mission,  and 
that  purpose  is  not  yet  accomplished  for  all  men.  No  grander  mission 
was  ever  committed  to  any  people  than  that  which  we  hold  in  trust. 
Our  purpose  embraces  the  interests  of  all  men  for  all  time,  and  touches 


56  stratford's  celebration. 

not  only  the  homes  in  America  and  the  lives  of  our  citizens,  but  home 
and  life  in  every  land.  In  the  governments  of  the  past,  the  interests  of 
the  common  people  were  nothing,  the  government  was  everything,  the 
individual  but  a  subject,  and  the  life,  liberty  and  property  of  the  sub- 
ject were  at  the  absolute  disposal  of  those  in  power.  The  subject  had 
no  rights  the  government  was  bound  to  respect. 

A  heartless  king  taxed  his  kingdom  to  exhaustion  to  gratify  his 
desires,  or  made  war  and  conscripted  his  subjects  to  aggrandize  his 
reign,  while  the  laboring  classes  were  compelled  to  serve  the  royal  bid- 
ding without  any  other  compensation  than  the  coarse  food  which  they 
ate.  We  were  commissioned  to  reverse  this  unnatural  order  of  things. 
It  was  reserved  for  us  to  establish  the  truth  of  individual  liberty — to 
exalt  and  protect  the  individual  man  by  the  provisions  and  sanction  of 
political  law.  It  was  for  us  to  declare  to  the  world  that  the  govern- 
ment was  for  the  people,  and  that  the  individual  man  was  greater  than 
the  government,  and  that  every  man  has  a  natural  right  to  himself  and 
to  whatever  by  industry  and  skill  he  may  be  able  to  secure.  It  was  re- 
served for  us  to  exalt  and  crown  as  above  the  government,  as  above  the 
country,  individual  humanity — to  teach  the  world  that  man  is  to  the 
government  what  the  sun  is  to  the  universe — the  centre  and  source  of 
life  and  power.  It  was  for  us  to  lead  in  breaking  kingly  chains  and 
monarchs'  power. 

The  first  great  declaration  of  liberty  made  to  any  people  was  the 
Magna  Charta  of  England  in  1215.  This  was  followed  by  the  Petition 
of  Right  in  1689.  But  the  third  and  great  declaration  of  liberty  was 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  in  1776  in  America. 

This  was  a  new  departure  in  the  best  and  highest  sense  ;  the  past 
had  stepped  toward  it,  but  never  reached  it.  There  had  been  various 
forms  of  government — indeed,  there  had  been  limited  republics,  but 
individual  man  was  not  the  central  idea  thereof. 

The  Magna  Charta  has  been  called  "  the  keystone  of  English  lib- 
erty." But  that  great  instrument  did  not  go  far  enough.  It  was  at 
best  but  a  concession  from  a  political  superior  to  his  inferiors,  and  was 
not  based  upon  the  natural  rights  of  man.  Its  design  was  to  secure  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  those  who  framed  it,  and  hence  was  limited  to 
themselves.  It  was  intended  mainly  for  the  benefit  of  the  nobles  and 
land-holders  of  England. 

So  what  is  known  as  "  A  Petition  of  Right,"  a  bill  passed  by  Par- 
liament four  hundred  years  after  the  date  of  the  Magna  Charta,  was  a 
protest  against  the  right  of  the  crown  to  raise  money  without  the  con- 


CONGREGATIONAL    CHURCH. 

(Erected  1859.) 

From  a  Photograph  by  F.  C.  Beach,  1889. 

By  permission  of  the  First  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Stratford. 


Stratford's  celebration.  57 

sent  of  Parliament,  to  billet  soldiers  on  the  people  without  their  con- 
sent, and  compel  the  people  to  make  loans  to  the  government  by  im- 
prisonment. This  was  an  advanced  and  illustrious  step  toward  a  better 
future,  but  fell  far  short  of  that  goal  of  individual  liberty  to  which  we 
were  commissioned  to  lead  mankind.  For  we  have  taken  a  deeper, 
broader,  grander  view  of  human  liberty,  inasmuch  as  we  recognize  lib- 
erty as  the  common  inheritance  of  each  man — not  the  gift  of  a  superior 
to  an  inferior,  but  as  the  natural  right  of  a  man,  simply  and  solely 
because  he  is  a  man. 

We  have  declared  to  the  world  that  "  all  men  are  created  equal," 
whether  they  are  the  born  freemen  of  the  north  or  the  emancipated 
freedmen  of  the  South.  We  have  announced  to  the  world  the  ultimate 
truth  of  human  rights  for  all  men  and  for  all  time. 

You  have  heard  during  the  last  few  years,  now  and  then,  whis- 
pered fears  of  a  revolution  in  our  government.  Great  excitement  for  a 
time  has  prevailed.  Now  and  then  an  extra  session  of  Congress  has  been 
called,  and  anxious  ones  have  inquired,  "  What  will  be  the  result  ?" 
We  have  heard  it  said  repeatedly  during  the  past  few  years  that  "there 
is  trouble  and  danger  ahead."  And  so  there  is,  but  not  along  that 
line.  A  revolution  in  this  country  could  not  be  justified,  for  the  rea- 
son that  there  are  no  rights  to  be  secured  by  revolution  which  we  do 
not  now  possess  ;  and  also  for  the  reason  that  our  government  is  regu- 
lated by  a  constitution  which  is  amendable  by  the  express  will  of  the 
people. 

There  has  been  a  rebellion,  there  may  be  another,  but  if  there  is 
we  will  put  it  down  as  we  did  the  last  To  thus  exalt  individual  man, 
to  lift  him  from  servitude  to  civil  and  political  independence,  is  one 
great  mission  of  our  nation. 

And  this  principle  was  involved  in  the  war — to  protect,  to  vindicate 
it  our  brave  boys  died.  And  our  action  as  a  people,  in  thus  exalting 
individual  man,  has  found  an  echo  in  the  hearts  of  all  who  have  sighed 
for  liberty. 

The  power  of  our  example  is  seen,  not  in  the  substitution  of  a  re- 
public for  monarchies  and  aristocracies,  but  in  the  recognition  of  per- 
sonal liberty,  and  the  voice  of  the  people  in  national  legislation. 

Look  over  the  world  to-day  and  note  the  changes  that  have  oc- 
curred during  the  last  fifty  years.  Italy,  not  fifteen  years  ago,  was  still 
in  the  gloom  of  the  middle-ages.  To-day  Italy  is  a  constitutional  king- 
dom, with  the  legislative  authority  resting  conjointly  in  the  king  and  in 
the  Parliament, 


58  stratford's  celebration. 

For  ages  Austria  was  the  acknowledged  champion  of  religious  in- 
tolerance, but  to-day  she  has  one  of  the  most  liberal  constitutions  in 
continental  Europe. 

Germany,  too,  with  a  population  of  forty-live  millions,  has  a  con- 
stitutional government  If  we  turn  to  France,  we  shall  find  that  the 
people  who  were  true  to  us  a  hundred  years  ago.  when  struggling  for 
liberty,  have  unfurled  the  banner  of  a  republic.  Cross  the  channel 
into  England,  there  the  right  of  suffrage  has  been  extended  by  reducing 
the  property  qualification.  Everywhere  in  the  old  world  a  parliament, 
composed  of  the  representatives  of  the  people,  is  demanded,  and  auto- 
crats are  heeding  the  popular  voice. 

Thus  have  we  led  the  nations  by  our  example,  step  by  step  towards 
the  goal  of  civil  liberty.  This  mission  Providence  committed  to  this 
republic. 

Let  us  not  forget,  then,  that  in  our  four  long  years  of  war  our 
soldiers  suffered  and  died  that  we  might  finish  our  work.  And  how 
grand  a  work  is  this !  A  work  that  has  engaged  the  attention  and 
strength  of  heaven, — that  of  lifting  up  humanity. 

It  is  a  grand  thing  to  be  a  man !  Why,  Mr.  Chairman,  I  would 
rather  be  a  man  than  an  angel !  Yes,  I  would.  For  of  redeemed 
humanity  God  has  said,  "  They  shall  rule  forever,  kings  and  priests  " 
in  the  eternity  to  come.  God  has  appeared  to  man  in  the  past,  but  ever 
in  human  form.  He  appeared  to  the  patriarchs  and  prophets,  but  he 
stood  before  them  as  a  man.  He  came  to  redeem  the  world,  but  he  took 
upon  him  our  nature  and  our  form.  Ay,  we  approach  the  throne  in 
the  name  of  the  man  Christ  Jesus.  And  the  srrandeur  of  our  mission  is 
that  it  is  in  the  interest  of  common  humanity. 

But.  my  comrades  and  fellow-citizens,  notwithstanding  our  victo- 
ries in  the  past  and  the  success  we  have  already  achieved,  shall  we  be 
foiled  or  defeated  in  the  future  ?  If  not,  it  behooves  us  to  open  our 
eyes  to  the  dangers  that  threaten  us,  and  to  recognize  the  presence  of 
enemies  in  our  midst.  The  war  is  a  thing  of  the  past,  and  to-day  we 
honor  the  memory  of  brave  boys  who  died  in  the  defence  of  right.  But 
the  principles  for  which  they  fought  are  not  dead  and  can  never  die ;  and 
he  who  ignores  them  is  not  a  true  friend  to  the  republic.  And,  alas  ! 
that  there  should  be  found  in  this  beautiful  land,  purchased  so  dearly 
and  preserved  by  struggle,  any  who  would  trample  upon  the  issues  of 
the  war,  or  seek  to  blot  out  the  principles  written  upon  the  pages  of  our 
history  with  blood. 

Against  the  maintenance  of  a  victory  so  dearly  won,  which  this 


stkatford's  celebration.  59 

monument  commemorates,  enemies  are  even  now  rising ;  they  are  in  our 
midst,  and  their  power  is  being  felt.  I  am  no  alarmist.  I  would  not 
fear  a  ghost  or  a  shadow  ;  but  I  would  not  be  blind,  nor  would  I  have 
you  to  be  blind  to  the  dangers  that  threaten  us. 

No  armed  forces  are  arrayed  against  us.  We  are  a  united  country, 
a  united  people ;  but,  with  all  this,  enemies  are  digging  away  at  the 
foundations  of  the  republic. 

A  love  of  freedom  should  manifest  itself  in  a  love  of  truth. 
Where  truth,  virtue,  honesty  are  the  corner-stones,  there  is  strength. 
But,  if  in  the  character  of  the  nation  there  should  be  developed  a  dis- 
regard of  these,  our  foundations  shall  crumble,  our  power  depart.  It 
was  not  the  strength  of  armies  that  overthrew  ancient  Babylon,  but  her 
iniquities. 

It  was  not  war  that  destroyed  the  Roman  Empire,  but  her  vices 
and  her  sins.  And  so  we  need  not  fear  the  armies  of  Europe,  but  fear 
and  tremble  only  before  the  destroying  power  of  vice.  As  surely  as  vice 
and  iniquity  ruin  individual  men,  so  surely  will  they  destroy  national 
life  and  power.  Dishonor  and  dishonesty  will  as  certainly  work  our 
destruction  as  armies  of  rebellion. 

True  freedom  is  the  exaltation  of  virtue — ay,  this  is  the  life-blood 
of  freedom.  Destroy  this,  and  life  is  gone.  A  spirit  which  manifests 
itself  in  Sabbath-breaking,  in  profanity,  in  intemperance,  in  dishonesty 
and  gigantic  frauds,  will  destroy  the  life  and  power  of  true  government. 
A  moral  sentiment  that  permits  vice  to  rule  at  the  cost  of  truth,  that 
winks  at  iniquity  and  laughs  at  deception,  will  as  surely  undermine  our 
foundations  and  destroy  our  power  as  that  God  has  spoken  against  sin. 
Our  civil  duties — ay,  more,  our  patriotism — should  bind  us  to  the 
morals  of  God's  law.  Over  and  above  all,  God  sits  enthroned  in  power, 
ruling  in  justice  and  goodness,  holding  in  his  hands  the  destinies  of  the 
nations. 

And  to-day  the  danger  that  threatens  us  is  a  disregard  of  the 
moral  law  of  God.  Our  duty  as  citizens  is  not  completed  when  we 
have  organized  an  army  and  vanquished  a  foe,  but  if  we  love  our 
country,  and  would  guard  her  interests,  it  is  ours  to  defend  her  from  the 
vices  that  destroy  and  the  iniquities  that  ruin.  Thus  would  I  remind 
you,  my  comrades,  of  the  duties  before  us,  which  if  faithfully  met,  will 
lead  us  to  the  full  accomplishment  of  our  mission  as  a  people.  And 
under  the  influence  of  the  memories  of  the  past  struggle,  in  the  presence 
of  this  memorial  of  the  brave  and  true,  let  us  renew  our  allegiance  to 
the  government  we  love,  and  declare  again  our  faith  in  the  principles  of 


60  Stratford's  celebration. 

the  Declaration  of  '76.  And  may  there  spring  up  in  every  heart  a  con- 
sciousness of  responsibility  to  freedom,  which  shall  bring  forth  our 
mightiest  efforts  to  protect  it  in  its  growth  and  development,  from  the 
lakes  to  the  gulf,  and  from  sea  to  sea. 

And  just  here  Mr.  Chairman,  allow  me  to  say  a  word  touching  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  It  has  been  claimed  that  the  organiza- 
tion composed  of  old  soldiers,  known  as  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Repub- 
lic, is  kept  together  in  the  interest  of  men  who  might  at  some  time  desire 
to  use  it  to  secure  position  or  to  lead  themselves  to  power,  and  that  it 
seeks  to  keep  alive  the  animosities  of  the  past 

In  the  name  of  the  thousands  of  soldiers  who  stood  true  in  the  day 
of  battle,  and  who  followed  the  old  flag  through  danger  to  victory, 
I  would  deny  this  false  charge.  The  Grand  Army  of  the  Re- 
public knows  no  man,  be  he  general,  private  soldier,  or  civilian,  when 
that  man  turns  his  back  against  the  flag  of  freedom,  or  the  institutions 
of  this  grand  republic.  Having  fought  to  preserve  the  nation's  life,  and 
having  succeeded  too,  its  only  desire  is  to  have  guarded  with  eternal 
vigilance  the  liberties  so  dearly  purchased. 

Does  any  man  say  that  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  could  be 
used  for  unlawful  purposes  ?  Cannot  these  men  be  trusted  ?  I  turn  for 
my  answer  to  Gettysburg,  to  Vicksburg,  to  Atlanta,  to  the  Wilderness, 
to  Petersburg  and  Richmond. 

I  see  the  prison  walls  of  Andersonville  looming  up  in  the  distance. 
And,  Mr.  Chairman  it  was  my  fortune  to  spend  ten  long  months  within 
those  prison  walls.  Around  me  I  see  the  squalid  multitudes  of  starving, 
dying  men.  But  see,  the  gates  of  the  prison  open,  and  a  dozen  rebel 
officers  enter.  In  their  hands  they  each  carry  a  little  book,  and  distribut- 
ing themselves  among  the  crowds  of  prisoners  they  say,  "  Boys,  you  are 
suffering  and  dying  here.  Let  us  put  your  names  in  this  little  book,  and 
go  out  with  us  and  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Southern  Con- 
federacy, and  we  will  feed  you  well,  and  clothe  you,  and  bring  back 
health  and  strength."  And  the  eyes  of  the  prisoners  snap  fire,  as  spurn- 
ing with  contempt  the  offer  they  answer,  "  What !  put  our  names  to  the 
wrong !  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Southern  Confederacy !  turn 
our  backs  on  the  old  flag  and  strike  against  it  ?  Yes,  this  is  a  terrible 
place  we  are  in  ;  we  are  starving,  but  rather  than  take  the  oath  of  allegi- 
ance to  the  Southern  Confederacy,  or  lift  our  hands  against  the  Stars  and 
Stripes,  we  will  lie  here  and  rot  and  die  and  be  forgotten  of  humanity  !  " 
Can  such  men  be  trusted  ?  And  this  is  the  material  of  which  the  Grand 
Army  is  composed,  and  such  the  principles  that  control  it. 


STRATFOHDS   CELEBRATION.  61 

The  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  stands  to-day  with  its  eyes  turned 
not  towards  the  past,  but  looking  hopefully  to  the  future,  believing 
that  before  us  is  still  a  noble  field  of  effort  and  of  enterprise. 

If  the  future  history  of  the  American  Republic  is  to  be  one  of 
prosperity  and  success,  we  of  to-day  must  not  be  unmindful  of  the  obli- 
gation resting  upon  us.  We  rejoice,  as  American  citizens,  in  the  pro- 
tection which  the  nation  affords  us.  On  sea  or  on  land,  at  home  or 
abroad,  where'er  we  go,  as  long  as  our  glorious  old  flag  is  seen  floating 
over  us,  we  are  sure  that  none  will  molest  us.  The  strong  arm  of  this 
mighty  nation  is  ever  around  us  to  give  us  protection.  We  glory  in 
the  power  and  strength  of  our  republic.  Some  years  ago  an  American 
ship  dropped  anchor  in  a  foreign  harbor.  One  of  the  sailors  asked  per- 
mission of  the  captain  to  go  ashore  for  a  little  time  that  he  might  view 
the  country,  and  as  the  ship  was  to  remain  in  the  harbor  for  several 
days,  permission  wras  granted.  The  young  man  could  not  speak  a  word 
of  the  language,  but  thought  he  could  make  himself  sufficiently  under- 
stood to  provide  for  his  wants.  He  had  been  ashore  scarcely  twenty- 
four  hours  when  he  was  arrested,  charged  with  having  committed  a 
crime,  the  penalty  of  which  was  death.  He  sought  in  every  way  pos- 
sible to  make  them  understand  and  know  that  he  was  innocent;  but 
no,  they  took  him  off  to  court,  and  despite  his  every  effort  to  establish 
his  innocence,  the  court  declared  him  guilty  and  sentenced  him  to  be 
shot  on  his  coffin  the  following  day.  He  was  in  deep  trouble.  An  in- 
nocent man,  alone  in  a  foreign  land,  and  a  prisoner  doomed  to  death  ! 
What  shall  he  do?  The  happy  thought  strikes  him,  "I  will  send  for 
the  American  Consul,  possibly  he  can  help  me."  By  signs  he  makes 
his  keeper  understand  what  he  wants,  and  the  consul  is  sent  for  and  is 
soon  in  his  presence.  Here  is  a  man  who  can  understand  him.  Into 
his  ears  he  pours  his  trouble,  and  appeals  to  the  consul  to  save  him- 
The  consul  appeals  to  the  authorities  for  a  new  trial,  but  it  is  refused. 
"No!'"  say  the}*,  "he  has  been  accused  of  crime;  he  has  been  properly 
tried  and  convicted,  and  at  the  appointed  time  he  must  die !"  The 
morning  dawns  and  the  hour  for  execution  has  arrived,  and  the  poor 
sailor,  accompanied  by  the  consul,  is  led  forth  to  die.  The  heart  of  the 
sailor  is  full  of  sorrow  at  the  thought  of  dying  a  culprit's  death  in  a  for- 
eign land.  Arrived  at  the  place  of  execution,  the  sailor  is  placed  upon 
his  coffin,  while  the  guard  that  are  to  tire  the  fatal  shot  are  drawn  up  in 
line  before  him.  A  few  moments  are  allowed  him  in  which  to  give  his 
parting  words  to  the  .consul,  when  the  commander  waves  his  hand  to 
the  consul  to  retire.      For  a  moment  he  looks  at  the  guard  and  then  at 


62  stratford's  celebration. 

the  sailor,  then  suddenly  pulls  from  his  coat  an  American  flag, 
and  wrapping  it  around  the  sailor  turns  defiantly  to  the  guard,  and 
bids  them  dare  to  fire  a  shot  at  that  American  flag.  Not  one 
dares  to  fire.  "  He  who  lifts  that  flag  or  dares  to  put  a  bullet  into 
it,"  cries  the  consul,  "  will  bring  upon  himself  the  strength  and  power  of 
the  American  Government!"'  The  boy  was  safe,  none  dared  to  do  him 
harm.  "Give  him  a  new  trial,"  demands  the  consul.  A  new  trial  was 
granted  and  he  was  acquitted.  It  was  not  the  cloth  that  saved  him. 
but,  covered  with  that  flag,  he  had  around  him  the  strength  and  power 
of  the  American  Government.  In  this  power  you  and  I,  my  fellow  cit- 
izens, rejoice  to-day.  But  it  remains  for  us  to  perpetuate  this  power  by 
preserving  sacredly  the  principles  and  institutions  upon  which  the  re- 
public rests.  The  power  is  the  fruit  of  the  development  of  true  and 
noble  principles.  So  long  as  these  shall  remain  undisturbed,  so  long 
shall  the  republic  live. 

Years  a^o.  as  an  American  statesman  with  some  of  his  friends 
stood  upon  the  lofty  peaks  of  one  of  our  mountains,  he  turned  his  ear 
towards  the  plain  as  though  he  heard  a  sound.  "  What  do  you  hear  ?" 
said  one  of  his  friends.  "  Hear  ?"  said  he  ;  "  I  hear  the  tramp  of  the 
coming  millions." 

To-day  we  stand  upon  the  verge  of  a  -new  century.  Hark  !  what 
do  we  hear?  The  tramp  of  the  coming  millions;  and  to  these  must  we 
give  o'er  the  ship  of  state,  with  every  timber  sound,  with  sails  all  set, 
with  every  part  complete.  Onward  must  the  republic  move  through 
the  century  just  begun,  securing  still  grander  results  than  in  the  past. 
But  that  this  be,  it  is  demanded  that  we  be  men  who  dare  stand  firm 
for  the  right. 

This,  and  this  only,  shall  bring  blessings  and  prosperity  in  the 
future,  and  preserve  the  power  and  glory  of  the  nation. 

A  few  years  ago  I  stood  at  the  entrance  of  Lincoln  Park  in  Wash- 
ington, looking  at  the  beautiful  monument  of  Lincoln.  On  a  large  ped- 
estal in  bronze  stands  Lincoln ;  before  him  is  a  stalwart  African  in  the 
act  of  rising.  Around  the  African's  limbs  are  chains,  but  they  are 
broken.  On  his  wrists  are  fetters,  but  they  are  broken.  In  one  hand 
Lincoln  holds  the  unrolled  emancipation  proclamation,  while  with  the 
other  he  is  beckoning  the  African  to  rise  to  his  feet.  "  Ah,"  said  I 
to  my  friend,  "  what  does  that  tell  us  ?"  Simply  this  :  that  in  the  years 
gone  by,  when  the  nation  was  carrying  a  load  that  was  weighing  it  down, 
there  were  those  who  feared  God  more  than  men,  who  loved  the  truth 
and  their  fellow-men  more  than  the  voice  of  praise  and  popularity. 


STRATFORD'S   CELEBRATION.  83 

Struggling  for  the  right,  they  sought  the  freedom  of  the  enslaved. 
At  last  the  day  dawned  when  the  truth  should  triumph  ;  and  Lincoln, 
that  man  who  loved  his  country  more  than  life ;  Lincoln,  whose 
name  is  revered  by  all  this  nation  ;  he  whom  the  world  has  come  to 
know  as  the  saviour  of  his  country,  led  the  van,  and,  breaking  the 
chains,  unfurled  the  banner  of  freedom  and  justice  to  all. 

This  spirit  engendered  in  the  hearts  of  the  present  generation,  and 
adhered  to  by  the  citizens  of  our  loved  land,  shall  magnify  our  power 
and  multiply  our  blessings.  It  is  this  that  shall  enable  us  to  enjoy  the 
liberties  of  our  land  ;  and  it  is  this  that  will  enable  us  to  perpetuate  and 
hand  over  to  coming  generations  the  institutions  so  loved  and  cherished 
by  us  all.  God  bless  the  right !  and  may  the  coming  century  unfold 
to  this  nation  greater  blessings  and  still  grander  achievements.  Unfurl 
the  flag,  let  its  folds,  the  insignia  of  libertjr,  float  out  o'er  the  land. 
Grand  old  flag !  may  the  stars  of  the  firmament  as  soon  be  blotted  out  as 
the  principles  which  thou  hast  nurtured  and  protected ;  and  of  the  dead, 
whose  memory  we  cherish,  it  may  be  said  : 


The  patriots  sleep  in  the  land  of  their  choice, 

In  the  robe  of  a  martyr,  all  gory, 
And  the}r  heed  not  the  tones  of  a  world  waking  voice 

That  covers  their  ashes  with  glory. 
What  reck  they  of  riches  ?     What  care  they  for  fame, 

Or  a  world  decked  in  grandeur  or  beauty  ? 
If  the  marble  shall  speak  that  records  their  proud  name, 

"  They  died  at  their  post,  doing  duty  ?" 

The  pilot  that  stood  at  the  helm  of  our  bark, 

Unmoved  by  the  tempest's  commotion, 
Was  swept  from  the  deck  in  the  storm  and  the  dark, 

And  sank  in  the  depths  of  the  ocean. 
But  little  he'll  grieve  for  the  life  it  has  cost, 

If  our  banner  shall  still  float  in  beauty, 
And  emblaze  on  its  folds  of  the  pilot  we've  lost, 

"  He  died  at  his  post,  doing  duty." 

The  warrior  chieftain  has  sunk  to  his  rest, 

The  sod  of  the  mountain  his  pillow  ; 
For  his  bed  the  broad  earth  has  opened  her  breast- 

His  dirge,  the  ocean's  sad  billow. 
As  long  as  the  ocean  wave  weeps  on  our  shore 

And  our  valleys  bloom  out  in  their  beauty, 
So  long  will  our  country  her  heroes  deplore 

Who  fell  at  their  post,  doing  duty. 


64  stratford's  celebration. 

The  eloquence  and  force  of  the  speaker  captivated  the  audience  at 
once,  and  throughout  the  whole  of  the  address  he  was  listened  to  with 
the  closest  attention.  Hearty  and  appreciative  cheers  were  given  the 
speaker  at  its  conclusion,  and  the  morning's  exercises  were  then 
brought  to  a  close  with  the  singing  of  "  Mv  Country,  'tis  of  thee," 
under  the  leadership  of  John  R  Lattin,  and  accompanied  by  the 
Wheeler  &  Wilson  band. 


CHRIST    CHURCH. 

(Erected  1857.) 

From  a  Photograph  hy  F.  C.  Beach,  1890. 


Stratford's  celebration.  65 


EXERCISES    OF    THE    AFTERNOON. 


It  was  after  two  o'clock  when  the  first  part  of  the  programme  of  the 
day  was  finished,  and  the  agreeable  duty  of  entertaining  the  guests  and 
visitors  was  immediately  entered  upon.  Lieutenant-Governor  Merwin, 
the  orators  of  the  day,  and  other  invited  guests  were  taken  in  carriages 
to  the  residence  of  Mr.  David  P.  Rhoades  on  King  Street,  where  Colonel 
Watson  and  staff,  of  the  4th  Connecticut  Regiment,  joined  them,  and  all 
were  most  hospitably  entertained  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rhoades.  Meanwhile, 
the  organizations  which  took  part  in  the  parade  were  marched  down 
Elm  Street  to  a  large  tent  standing  on  a  lot  owned  by  Mr.  Asa  S.  Curtis, 
on  the  west  side  of  Elm  Street,  midway  between  "  "Watch  House  "  Hill 
and  Stratford  Avenue.  Here,  under  the  care  and  guidance  of  the  provi- 
dent Collation  Committee,  they  were  abundantly  provided  with  entertain- 
ment. Not  only  were  the  visiting  organizations,  whose  presence  so 
materially  added  to  the  success  of  the  celebration,  thus  entertained,  but 
as  the  invited  guests  passed  from  the  tables  and  the  tent,  the  general 
visitors,  who  had  gathered  in  the  town  by  thousands,  and  for  whom  the 
supplies  provided  by  private  parties  were  altogether  insufficient,  were 
gladly  welcomed  to  the  vacant  places  at  the  tables  ;  and  so,  from  the 
time  that  the  tent  was  thrown  open  until  nightfall,  the  tireless  Collation 
Committee  continued  the  work  of  entertainment.  Even  while  the 
afternoon  exercises  were  progressing,  the  good  work  went  on  at  the 
tent.  All  who  came,  departed  satisfied,  and  the  repute  of  Stratford's 
people  as  bounteous  hosts  was  maintained. 

In  addition  to  the  preparations  for  entertainment  thus  publicly 
made  and  conducted,  the  possibilities  of  the  day  attracted  many  thrifty 
persons  to  erect  tents  and  tables  here  and  there  about  the  centre  of  the 
town,  where  there  could  be  procured  for  a  modest  sum  the  staple  deli- 
cacies usually  found  on  such  occasions ;  while  many  far-sighted  people 
who  live  back  from  the  shore  could  be  seen  in  their  wagons  and 
carriages   enjoying    the   lunch   which   they   had   brought  with   them. 


66  Stratford's  celebration. 

While  the  guests  of  the  day  and  the  public  were  thus  being  provided 
for,  at  almost  every  house  in  town  the  latch  string  was  out  and  around 
tables  bountifully  spread  groups  of  relatives  and  friends  were  enjoying 
the  hospitality  of  our  people. 

That  mid-day  feast  was  a  joyful  hour  in  many  a  home.  The  charm- 
ing weather,  the  gaily- decorated  houses,  the  thronging  crowds  in  the 
streets,  the  holiday  air  of  the  town,  made  the  blood  of  the  most  sluggish 
nature  stir.  Gay  talk  and  laughter,  praise  of  the  present  occasion, 
happy  reminiscence  of  the  past,  mingled  in  pleasant  confusion  in  many 
homes.  But  the  time  for  entertainment  was  all  too  short.  The  pro- 
gramme for  the  afternoon,  which  was  more  distinctively  commemorative 
of  the  town's  birth  and  history  than  were  the  exercises  of  the  forenoon, 
was  soon  to  begin.  And  so,  after  the  lunch  at  Mr.  Rhoades',  the  officers 
of  the  da}r,  the  invited  guests  and  orators,  escorted  by  the  Marshal  of  the 
day  and  his  aids,  were  again  taken  to  the  grand  stand.  As  they  passed 
down  Main  Street  the  scenes  of  the  morning  were  renewed — the  same 
crowds  upon  the  streets  moving  toward  "  Academy  Hill,"  the  dwellings 
gaily  decorated,  the  grand  old  elms  ever  graceful,  the  green  lawns,  all 
bespoke  a  rare  occasion  and  Stratford  at  her  best. 

Upon  the  hill  about  the  grand  stand  a  large  audience  again 
assembled ;  it  differed  from  the  assembly  of  the  morning,  for  the  mili- 
tary and  civic  organizations  were  missing,  as  no  attempt  was  made  to 
keep  the  companies  together  after  the  collation,  but  many  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  organizations  mingled  with  the  audience,  and  their  gay 
uniforms  gave  life  and  variety  to  the  scene.  The  grand  stand  was 
soon  filled,  and  the  large  audience  gathered  before  it,  while  here  and 
there  upon  the  extended  common  small  groups  of  people  were  to  be 
seen  passing  to  and  fro  either  in  the  enjoyment  of  some  companionship 
which  the  day  had  made  possible,  or  more  pleased  to  visit  some  old 
landmark  than  to  join  the  thronging  audience  of  the  orators.  It  was 
a  pleasant  and  inspiriting  sight  to  look  over  the  broad  common  to 
see  the  packed  grand  stand,  the  large  audience  alive  with  interest  and 
pleasure,  the  people  in  carriages  crowding  close  upon  those  on  foot,  the 
visitors  strolling  on  the  common,  and  back  of  all  the  gaily-decorated 
dwellings  skirting  the  hill,  and  making  a  fitting  frame  for  so  pleasant  a 
picture. 

The  very  location  of  the  platform  was  an  inspiration  to  the 
speakers,  whose  theme  was  the  town's  birth  and  history  ;  the  lawns  that 
stretched  before  them,  covered  remnants  of  the  foundation  stones  of  two 
meeting-houses,    where    the    fathers  worshipped  for  a  century  before 


Stratford's  celebration.  67 

the  Revolution.  And  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  la)'  the  old  church-yard,  in 
the  midst  of  which  once  stood  the  first  Episcopal  church  erected  in  Con- 
necticut. Here  also  was  the  watch-house  of  the  first  settlers,  from  which 
came  the  name  "  Watch-house  Hill,"  and  across  the  northern  brow 
of  the  nill  the  early  settlers,  to  protect  themselves  from  the  Indians, 
built  a  stockade.  On  the  common  east  of  the  old  church-yard  an  Eng- 
lish regiment  had  lain  encamped  through  a  long  winter  in  Colonial  days. 

Amid  such  inspiring  surroundings  the  historical  addresses  of  the 
afternoon  were  made  ;  that  they  were  deeply  interesting,  and  happily 
diversified,  will  appear  from  their  perusal. 

The  exercises  of  the  afternoon  were  opened  by  the  Rev.  Charles  L. 
Pardee,  of  the  Episcopal  church  in  Stratford,  with  the  following  prayer: 

0  God,  who  art  the  blessed  and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings 
and  Lord  of  lords ;  the  almighty  Ruler  of  nations,  we  adore  and  mag- 
nify Thy  glorious  name  for  all  the  great  things  which  Thou  hast  done 
for  us.  We  render  Thee  thanks  for  the  goodly  heritage  which  Thou 
hast  given  us ;  for  the  civil  and  religious  privileges  which  we  enjoy ; 
and  for  all  Thy  favors  from  the  beginning  of  our  lives  to  this  day. 
And  we  pray  Thee  that  we  may  show  forth  our  thankfulness  for  all 
these  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives;  by  giving  up  ourselves  to 
Thy  service,  and  by  walking  before  Thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness 
all  our  days.  Preserve,  we  beseech  Thee,  to  our  country  the  blessings 
of  peace,  and  secure  them  to  all  the  nations  of  the  earth.  May  the  king- 
dom of  the  Prince  of  Peace  come  in  the  hearts  and  lives  of  all  men,  that 
so  our  only  strife  may  be  who  shall  love  Thee  most  and  serve  Thee 
best.  We  ask  Thy  blessing  on  all  in  municipal,  legislative,  judicial  and 
executive  authority,  that  they  may  discharge  the  duties  of  their  several 
offices  to  the  promotion  of  Thy  glory,  the  interest  of  true  religion  and 
virtue,  the  peace,  good  order  and  welfare  of  this  town,  state  and  nation. 
Continue  to  prosper  our  institutions  for  the  promotion  of  sound  learn- 
ing, the  diffusion  of  virtuous  education,  and  the  advancement  of  Christian 
truth.  Take  from  us  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  and  shed  the  quickening 
influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  all  the  people  of  this  land.  Save  us 
from  the  guilt  of  abusing  blessings  and  privileges,  and  of  confusing- 
liberty  and  license.  Give  us  a  just  sense  of  all  these  Thy  mercies,  and 
may  the  blessings  which,  from  the  labor  of  others,  we  are  reaping 
to-day,  be  so  duly  appreciated  by  us  as  that  we  may  serve  Thee  faith- 
fully in  this  life,  in  humility,  holiness,  and  obedience,  so  that  finally  we 
lose  not  Thy  eternal  blessings ;  and  to  Thy  name  be  all  the  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


68  Stratford's  celebration". 

Mr.  Stiles  Judson,  Jr.,  the  President  of  the  day,  then  spoke  the  fol- 
lowing words  of  welcome : 

Fellow-citizens,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen :  The  pleasant  duty  and  privi- 
lege devolves  upon  me  to  extend  a  cordial  greeting  in  the  name  of  our 
towns-people  to  the  guests  who  are  with  us  to-day  to  participate  in  the 
celebration  of  the  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  settle- 
ment of  the  town  of  Stratford.  It  is  with  the  most  kindly  feelings  that 
we  bid  you  welcome ;  our  village  has  put  on  holiday  attire  to  receive 
you,  and  the  hospitality  of  her  citizens  you  cannot  over-tax  on  this 
pleasant  reunion  of  old  Stratford's  sons  and  daughters. 

If  through  the  exercises  of  this  day  it  becomes  apparent  to  you  that 
our  people  are  proud  of  this  old  town,  which  two  centuries  and  a  half 
ago  was  founded  on  the  shores  of  the  Housatonic,  near  to  the  blue 
waters  of  the  Sound,  we  ask  you  to  look  upon  it  as  a  pardonable  pride ; 
for  in  the  beauty  of  our  town,  in  the  fact  of  her  early  settlement,  in 
the  men  and  women  of  sterling  worth  and  character  who  have  lived  and 
died  'neath  the  old  elms  that  shade  our  village  and  in  the  memories 
that  cluster  around  us,  we  find  just  cause  for  the  pride  exhibited. 

The  scene  of  animation  presented  on  the  streets  of  the  old  town 
to-day  is  new  and  strange  to  her ;  the  picture  of  restfulness  and  repose 
we  are  wont  to  see  being  more  in  accord  with  her  existence  and  tradi- 
tions. Her  sons  and  (laughters,  though  ever  loyal  to  their  birth-place, 
do  not  claim  for  her  the  activity  or  material  growth  witnessed  in  some 
of  our  sister  towns. 

The  disturbing  forces  to  be  found  within  the  cities  are  absent  from 
us.  The  jar  of  commerce  and  the  turbulency  of  politics  strike  no 
responsive  chord  among  a  people  born  to  rural  scenes.  Yet,  withal,  the 
old  town,  during  these  many  years,  has  not  been  idle,  for  not  only  has 
the  weal  of  her  own  children  been  cared  for,  but  she  has  laid  the  founda- 
tions of  other  communities. 

She  looks  to  the  northward  and  beholds  the  town  of  Huntington 
nestled  among  the  hills,  and  her  affection  goes  out  to  this,  her  first-born. 
The  towns  of  Trumbull  and  Monroe  are  connected  with  us  by  the  same 
link  of  kinship,  and  these  neighboring  communities,  through  their  re- 
presentatives with  us  on  this  occasion,  will  bear  witness  that  the  family 
tie  is  made  stronger  to-day.  She  looks  to  the  westward  and  beholds 
the  city  of  Bridgeport,  which  is  soon  to  become  the  first  city  of  our  Com- 
monwealth. The  smoke  rising  from  its  thousand  factory-chimneys  gives 
evidence  of  the  activity  and  enterprise  of  the  rugged  New  England 
character.     Who   shall  say  that   much  of   its  phenomenal  growth  and 


Stratford's  celebration.  69 

prosperity  is  not  due  to  the  impress  made  on  the  body  politic  by  those 
founders  whose  memory  we  honor  by  these  anniversary  exercises.  Yet, 
though  eclipsed  in  the  shadow  of  Bridgeport's  progress,  we  feel  no 
twinge  of  jealousy,  but  only  friendship  and  good-will.  On  the  road  to 
fortune  and  success  the  old  town  wishes  her  god-speed,  for  in  the  town 
of  Bridgeport  she  recognizes  her  youngest  born.  It  is,  then,  with  special 
significance  that  the  citizens  of  those  towns  join  with  us  in  giving  ex- 
pression to  our  fealty  to  the  first  settlers  of  Stratford. 

But  her  influence  and  prestige  extend  over  a  wider  field  than  this, 
for  from  the. old  home  have  gone  forth  many  of  her  children  to  other 
communities  and  to  distant  climes,  and  their  early  associations  have,  in 
memory,  been  carried  with  them. 

Many  a  family  reunion  will  be  held  this  day,  and  recollections 
revived  by  the  sight  of  old  familiar  places,  and  when  at  the  close  of  the 
day  we  "  speed  the  parting  guest,"  it  will  be  with  the  belief  that  your 
sojourn  with  us,  brief  as  it  is,  will  have  been  the  means  of  awakening  a 
renewed  interest  and  affection  towards  the  old  town. 

Though  the  years,  in  passing,  have  left  the  marks  of  time  on 
old  Stratford's  landscape,  with  her  ancient  dwellings  standing  as  sen- 
tinels of  the  past ;  though  the  moss  of  centuries  is  thick  upon  the  stones 
marking  the  resting-places  of  those  early  settlers  who  braved  the  perils 
of  the  wilderness  in  making  this  their  abode,  yet  the  mantle  of  age  rests 
lightly  upon  her,  and  the  frost  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  winters  has 
failed  to  blight  her  beauty  and  freshness.  Old  Stratford  is  young  again 
to-day  in  the  spirit  with  which  she  welcomes  you,  and  the  joyousness 
of  this  occasion  shall  be  to  her  as  a  life-giving  spring  from  which  she 
will  draw  long-continued  life  and  happiness. 


Mr.  Benjamin  T.  Fairchild,  one  of  Stratford's  sons,  and  a  descend- 
ant of  one  of  the  first  settlers,  was  then  introduced,  and  delivered  the 
following  address : 

Stratford  to-day  enacts  her  part  in  the  series  of  celebrations  which 
have  followed  the  course  of  the  founders  of  New  England  from 
Plymouth  to  Connecticut.  In  many  a  fair  and  prosperous  town  and 
village  the  descendants  of  the  Pilgrim  and  the  Puritan  have  vied  in 
extolling  the  valor  and  the  virtues  of  their  forefathers. 

When  we  of  Stratford  come  to-day  to  reckon  up  the  debt  which 
we  owe  to  our  ancestors,  it  is  with  hearts  full  of  reverent  joy  and 
gratitude  for  the  blessings  and  privileges  which  have  descended  to  us. 


70  stratford's  celebration. 

Here  on  this  historic  and  hallowed  spot,  to-day  freshly  consecrated,  the 
place  of  the  Watch  House,  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  the  School,  the 
suggestive  trio  of  the  Puritan's  environment,  we  come  to  fill  our  minds 
with  the  spirit  and  the  scenes  of  long  by-gone  but  never-to-be-forgotten 
days ;  to  listen  to  stories  which  can  never  to  us  become  twice-told  or 
tedious  tales.  For,  indeed,  the  genius  of  the  poet  and  the  painter  still 
kindles  at  the  story  of  the  Pilgrim,  and  each  generation  finds  in  his  life 
a  new  lesson  and  a  fresh  inspiration. 

After  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  we  come  to-day  to  pay  our 
loving  and  loyal  tribute  to  the  memory  of  those  heroic  men,  who  with 
sublime  faith  and  fortitude,  planted  their  homes  on  the  shores  of  a  new 
land  and  began  those  struggles  for  the  rights  of  self-government  which 
made  their  little  communities  the  germs  of  free  and  independent  com- 
monwealths and  fashioned  the  lines  upon  which  were  built  the  Consti- 
tution, and  determined  under  God  the  destiny  of  a  mighty  republic.  In 
this,  the  hour  of  exultation  and  congratulation,  we  are  content  to  sound 
no  higher  key,  to  place  no  higher  estimate  upon  these  men  than  the 
verdict  of  mankind  has  already  accorded  them.  "  In  all  history,"  it  is 
said,  "there  has  been  no  instance  of  colonization  so  exclusively  effected 
by  picked  and  chosen  men." 

What  was  the  character  and  the  purpose  of  these  colonists,  what 
the  influence  which  inspired  and  equipped  them  to  overcome  obstacles, 
to  endure  hardships  before  which  expeditions  with  all  the  potent 
incentives  of  gain  and  conquest  and  adventure  had  repeatedly  suc- 
cumbed? It  was  a  migration  of  men  inspired  as  they  believed  by 
Divine  guidance,  who  purposed  in  a  new  land  to  found  a  State  where 
they  might  govern  their  lives  according  to  the  laws  of  God  and  the 
Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  as  interpreted  by  their  conscience. 

If,  in  the  light  in  which  we  now  happily  live,  the  religion  of  the 
Puritan  seems  sombre  and  stern,  it  was  nevertheless  the  very  force  and 
fervor  of  this  religion,  united  with  an  intense  aspiration  for  individual 
liberty  that  made  possible  the  civil  and  religious  freedom  which  we 
now  enjoy.  A  religion  of  such  vital  quality  that  it  supported  him 
through  trials,  struggles  and  vicissitudes  without  parallel  in  the  history 
of  a  people.  Under  its  guidance  were  developed  wisdom  and  states- 
manship of  the  highest  order. 

"For,"  said  the  greatest  of  English  historians,  "the  Puritan  brought 
to  civil  and  military  affairs  a  coolness  of  judgment  and  an  immutability 
of  purpose  which  some  writers  have  thought  inconsistent  with  religious 
zeal,  but  which  were  in  fact  the  necessary  effects  of  it."     It  was  the 


stratpord's  celebration.  71 

Puritan  preacher  who,  in  1638,  made  the  immortal  declaration  that 
"The  choice  of  public  magistrates  belongs  unto  the  people  by  God's 
own  allowance,"  that  "Tne  foundation  of  authority  is  laid  firstly  in  the 
free  consent  of  the  people,"  and  thus  formulated  the  "  most  important 
profession  of  political  faith  in  our  history."  The  first  practical  assertion 
of  the  principle  which  lies  at  the  foundation  of  the  American  system. 

Dissent  brought  the  Pilgrim  to  Plymouth,  and  from  Massachusetts 
to  Connecticut.  The  Puritan's  progress  is  the  evolution  of  dissent.  The 
pastor  led  his  people  as  the  shepherd  his  flock,  and  it  may  be  said  that 
each  sheep  betrayed  a  strong  inclination  to  jump  for  himself. 

Connecticut  founded  by  dissenters  from  the  theocratic  system  of 
Massachusetts,  made  the  most  rapid  progress  in  civil  and  religious 
liberty ;  here  developed  the  prototype  of  our  commonwealths,  here  was 
the  birthplace  of  American  democracy.  It  is  with  pride  to-day  that  we 
claim  descent  from  the  founders  of  this,  one  of  the  oldest  plantations  of 
the  Connecticut  colony.  We  know  that  the  little  company  who  here 
first  set  up  their  altar  and  their  hearth-stones,  and  the  settlers  added 
unto  them,  were  of  the  best  type  of  its  founders.  The  Church  was  the 
centre  and  the  well-spring  of  the  community  and  the  Stratford  divines 
were  men  of  conspicuous  learning,  ability  and  influence.  Two  of  them 
were  called  to  the  rectorship  of  Yale,  and  one,  Dr.  Johnson,  to  King's 
College. 

Dr.  Samuel  Johnson  exerted  a  wide  and  powerful  influence  in 
educational  and  ecclesiastical  affairs.  His  son,  William  Samuel  John- 
son, was  also  President  of  Columbia  College,  and  Stratford  has  the  honor 
to  have  sent  him  as  one  of  the  three  men  chosen  to  represent  Connecti- 
cut in  the  Federal  Convention,  and  he  was  largely  instrumental  in 
moulding  the  Constitution  upon  the  Connecticut  form  and  principles.  It 
is  of  no  slight  significance  also,  that  here,  scarce  farther  away  than  the 
"  meeting-house  "  spire  cast  its  shadow,  was  erected  the  first  Episcopal 
Church  in  New  England.  This  fair  and  beautiful  town,  so  broadly  and 
nobly  planned,  itself  ever  bears  eloquent  testimony  to  the  liberality, 
taste  and  sagacity  of  its  founders. 

From  this  vantage  ground  where  our  forefathers,  with  musket  and 
sword,  kept  watch  and  ward  over  the  little  plantation,  a  village  now 
invites  the  eye  as  fair  as  the  old  home  he  loved  so  well,  and  to  which  in 
his  long  vigils  he  must  in  fancy  oft  have  turned  his  wistful  gaze  across 
the  sea. 

What  serene  and  benignant  star  presided  at  the  birth  of  Stratford, 
that  from  the  days  when  our  fathers  contended  with  the  savage  and 


72  stratford's  celebration. 

built  their  cabins  in  the  clearing,  no  tales  of  massacre  color  her  record 
and  the  sword  and  the  torch  have  never  devastated  her  homes  ? 

That  during  all  the  century  and  more,  which  have  witnessed  the 
winning  of  a  continent  from  ocean  to  ocean,  whilst  cities  have  multiplied 
around  her  and  the  railroad  bears  its  "expresses"  heedlessly  by,  the 
spell  of  peace  and  beauty  still  pervades  and  possesses  her  precincts,  such 
as  was  only  broken  by  the  cheery  sound  of  the  coach-horn  in  the  days 
when  the  stage  rolled  up  to  the  door  ©f  Benjamin's  Tavern. 

With  what  measure  of  affection  shall  we,  whose  love  to  her  is 
welded  by  so  many  sacred  associations,  regard  this,  the  rarely  beautiful 
village,  which  has  been  from  generation  to  generation  the  home  of  our 
fathers  ? 

Stratford  has  known  how  to  grow  old  beautifully.  Athwart  these 
broad  greens  at  evening  the  lengthening  shadows  lie,  and  the  stately 
elms  bend  over  the  long  streets  their  spreading  arches  in  vista  more 
beautiful  than  Cathedral  nave.  May  peace  and  prosperity  ever  dwell 
beneath  their  tranquil  shade. 


At  the  close  of  Mr.  Fairchild's  address  the  President  introduced  the 
Rev.  George  W.  Judson,  of  Orange,  Massachusetts;  Mr.  Judson  is  a  de- 
scendant of  one  of  the  first  settlers,  and  but  recently  ceased  to  reside  in 
the  town.  In  introducing  Mr.  Judson,  the  President  referred  to  him  as 
the  orator  of  the  Judson  family.     Mr.  Judson  spoke  as  follows : 

Mr.  President,  Fellow-Townsmen,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen: 

The  gentleman  is  mistaken.  I  am  no  orator,  as  (my  cousin)  Brutus 
is ;  but,  as  you  know  me  all,  a  plain,  blunt  man,  that  loves  old  Strat- 
ford ;  and  that  they  know  full  well  who  give  me  public  leave  to  speak 
of  her ,  for  I  have  neither  wit,  nor  words,  action  nor  utterance,  nor  the 
power  of  speech  to  stir  mens  souls.  I  only  speak  right  on,  tell  you 
what  you  yourselves  do  know,  show  you  old  Stratford's  glory,  and  bid 
that  speak  for  me.  But  were  I  Brutus,  and  Brutus  Antony,  there  were 
an  Antony  should  "  make  things  hustle." 

But,  seriously,  I  esteem  it  a  decided  honor  to  be  invited  to 
take  part  in  these  anniversary  exercises  to-day — an  honor  which 
I  take,  however,  as  meant  not  so  much  for  myself  personally,  as 
for  the  family  name,  which,  together  with  the  President  of  the 
day,  I  represent  upon  this  occasion.  For  while  through  the  two 
hundred  and  fifty  years  of  Stratford's  history  the  Judson  family  has 
not  been  especially  conspicuous,  it  may  be  said,  I  think,  that  it  has, 


T?         ,-, 


stratfoed's  celebration.  73 

in  the  main,  always  held  an  honored  and  respected  place.  And  it  is  a 
matter  for  a  Judson  to  feel  just  a  little  proud  of  to-day,  that  history  and 
tradition  agree  that  in  all  probability  it  was  a  Judson,  one  William 
Judson,  who  was  the  first  white  man  to  set  his  foot  upon  our  historic 
soil  with  a  view  to  settlement.  History  does  not  certainly  tell  us 
whether,  when  Judson  came  here  in  1638,  he  came  alone  or  with  one 
Thomas  Fairchild  (the  ancestor  of  him  who  has  addressed  us  to-day), 
and  one  other,  name  unknown.  But  almost  certainly  Judson  was  here 
in  1638,  a  year  before  the  first  colony  (of  which  he  was  one)  came  for 
settlement.  Not  any  very  great  precedence,  to  be  sure,  but  enough  to 
feel  just  a  little  proud  of  to-day. 

But  do  not  think,  fellow-townsmen,  that  I  propose  to  take  up  your 
time  to-day  in  fulsome  eulogy  of  my  ancestors,  or  of  any  one  else's 
ancestors.  It  seems  to  me  to  be  very  poor  taste  to  indulge  in  that  way. 
For  we,  the  descendants  of  these  ancestors  of  ours,  are  what  we  are,  as 
they  were  what  they  were.  If  they  were  good  men  and  true,  as  many 
of  them  were,  it  is  indeed  proper  for  us  to  honestly  recount  their  vir- 
tues, and  to  try  to  imitate  their  example.  If  they  did  not  amount  to 
much  (and  some  of  them  did  not),  it  is  for  us  to  do  what  we  can  to 
improve  upon  their  example.  In  any  event,  it  is  poor  taste  for  us  to 
try  and  make  out  a  case  for  all  our  sires  of  peculiar  and  unapproach- 
able virtues.  They  possessed  sterling  and  robust  qualities  of  character, 
most  of  them  ;  but  the  best  of  them  were  also  men  of  like  passions  and 
like  frailties  with  ourselves. 

And  I  confess  it  did  me  good  (clergyman  though  I  am),  while  look- 
ing up  the  history  of  my  own  sires  of  so  long  ago,  to  find  on  record  in 
the  annals  of  the  town  two  or  three  incidents  in  their  careers  which, 
though  not  exactly  justifiable,  nor  by  any  means  to  be  commended,  yet 
serve  to  show  that  these  sires  of  ours  were  men  like  ourselves,  liable 
upon  occasion  to  let  their  human  nature  lead  them  where  they  ought  not 
to  go.  One  of  these  incidents  is  recounted  of  Jeremiah  or  Joshua 
Judson — I  forget  which  one — (which  does  not  matter,  since  these  were 
both  good  Biblical  names),  who  was  fined  for  selling  cider  to  the 
Indians.     Of  course,  it  must  have  been  good  sweet  cider. 

And  as  showing  that  the  boys  of  the  olden  time  had  some  of  the 
same  perversity  in  them  which  seems  to  delight  to  lodge  with  boys  in 
these  degenerate  days,  we  read  also  of  two  sons  of  the  aforesaid  Jere- 
miah or  Joshua  Judson  who  were  sentenced  to  sit  for  a  day  in  the  stocks 
as  a  punishment  for  moonlight  expeditious  after  "ye  wholesome  water- 
millions."-     This  sentence  was  mercifully  suspended  on   the  ground 


74  Stratford's  celebration. 

of  that  liking  for  the  fruit  which  makes  .us  all  akin.  And  if  it  did  not 
have  too  musty  a  flavor,  I  should  be  tempted  to  tell  the  story  told  of 
the  brave  Captain  Judson  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  when,  as  captain 
of  the  Stratford  "  Home  Guard,"  he  one  night  led  his  company  against 
a  supposed  landing  of  the  British  at  Lighthouse  Point,  and  on  his  way 
to  the  point  saw  in  the  dim  distance  the  cornstalks  waving,  when,  think- 
ing that  the  British  were  advancing,  Captain  Judson  cries,  "  Halt !  the 
British  are  upon  us;  scatter,  boys,  scatter!  "  (But  for  the  account  of 
this  valorous  deed  see  the  History  of  Fairfield  County,  which  so  many 
of  you  have  purchased,  and  which  you  so  highly  prize  for  its  accuracy, 
fullness  and  cheapness.) 

But  I  am  here  to-day  to  talk  seriously  for  a  little  time ;  for  this  is 
a  serious  occasion,  this  gathering  at  a  250th  Anniversary.  Two 
hundred  and  fifty  years  is  a  good  long  while,  and  it  is  a  serious 
thing  for  a  town  to  reach  such  a  ripe  old  age. 

Think  of  it!  Two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago,  Charles  the  First 
was  on  the  throne  of  England  and  Cromwell  was  just  laying  those 
plans  which  were  to  revolutionize  his  nation  politically.  Two  hundred 
and  fifty  years  ago,  Louis  XIII.  sat  on  the  throne  of  France  and  the 
continent  of  Europe  was  right  in  the  middle  of  its  thirty-years'  war 
which  was  to  change  the  whole  complexion  of  its  international  relations 
and  re-adjust  its  balance  of  power.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago, 
Shakespeare  had  but  just  died  and  his  genius  was  as  yet  but  half 
recognized ;  while  John  Milton  that  "  fountain  of  English,  pure  and 
undefiled,"  had  not  yet  written  any  of  the  works  which  gave  him 
immortal  fame.  And  as  for  the  rest  of  that  long  list  of  names  which 
have  made  our  English  literature  what  it  is — the  grandest  of  the  world 
very  few  of  them  had  yet  come  from  that  great  unknown  which  pre- 
cedes birth  with  more  literalness  than  it  follows  death.  And  turning  to 
the  realms  of  science  and  industry,  hardly  one  of  the  great  inventions 
and  discoveries  had  yet  been  made  which  have  since  revolutionized 
these  departments  of  human  progress.  And  as  for  our  own  magnificent 
populous  domain  as  we  see  it  to-day,  what  was  it  then  but  a  vast 
howling  wilderness,  save  for  a  fringe  of  settlements  on  its  eastern 
border,  few  and  far  between,  whose  inhabitants  lived  in  constant  terror 
of  extermination  by  the  native  savages  who  from  the  great  unknown 
interior  were  constantly  making  predatory  excursions  to  the  coast. 

But  I  wish  to  speak  more  directly  to-day,  what  our  good  old  age 
means  for  us  as  a  town  :  what  it  has  done  for  us :  what  its  ripe 
experience  suggests  for  the  future.     For  one  thing,  our  old  age  as    a 


stratford's  celebration.  75 

town   has  given    to    us   an   individuality    of    our    own.     All    our   old 
towns  have  this;  they  have  all  lived  long  enough   to   have  character- 
istics of   their  own.     The  new  towns  scattered  up  and  down  over  our 
New  England  you  will  often  find  to  be  as  alike  as  two  chips,  save  for  • 
differences  of  situation  and  industry  ;  but  not  so  the  old  ones. 

Who  would  ever  confound  Stratford  and  Milford  ?  They  each 
have  an  individuality  of  their  own  that  is  not  likely  soon  to  be  destroyed, 
even  though  you  have  freed  the  bridge  between  the  two  towns  from  its 
ancient  toll.  Who  ever  confounded  Milford  and  Stratford  boys  or  girls? 
(though  the  Milford  girls  and  Stratford  boys  seem  to  get  taken  by,  if  not 
for,  each  other).  Why,  there  is  an  individuality  even  to  the  Stratford 
mosquito. 

Have  a  care,  then,  for  the  projects  of  the  Stratford  Land  Improve- 
ment Company,  lest  they  exterminate,  in  their  march  of  improvement, 
one  of  the  most  ancient  and  honored  families  of  the  place,  a  family  whose 
deeds  and  prowess  have  made  Stratford  known,  respected  and  feared, 
wherever  her  name  has  gone  abroad  !  But  seriously,  again,  there  is 
something  valuable  in  this  old,  staid  respectable  individuality  of  such 
towns  as  our  own.  It  helps  connect  us  with  the  past.  It  makes  us  feel 
that  we  have  an  interest  in  the  doings  of  the  olden  time.  It  makes  us 
look  with  keen  scrutiny  upon  the  new-fangled  schemes  which  spring  up 
on  every  side  to  improve  the  past  by  obliterating  it.  Let  us,  then,  try 
to  preserve  this  individuality,  for  it  will  become  the  more  precious  as 
the  days  go  by. 

Have  a  care,  therefore,  for  the  ambitions  of  our  wide-awake  daughter 
on  our  western  border.  We  rejoice  in  her  prosperity  and  rapid  growth, 
for  is  she  not  our  daughter  ?  But  we  should  not  yet  be  ready  to  pull 
down  the  old  homestead,  or  leave  it  for  her  more  modern  abode  !  Let 
us  rather  still  keep  the  old  place  up  !  Let  Bridgeport  send  over  her 
children  to  visit  or  to  board,  but  not  yet  to  rule  and  lord  it  over  the 
old  home  now  that  her  ancient  glory  has  departed.  And  as  you  thus 
keep  one  eye  upon  Bridgeport's  real  estate  boomers  and  schemers,  keep 
your  other  eye  upon  your  own  politicians,  lest  they  for  a  share  of  the 
mess  of  pottage  of  city  honors  and  city  offices  sell  the  birthright  of  our 
old  town,  never  to  be  regained,  though  it  be  sought  carefully  and  with 
tears. 

Again,  these  old  towns  of  which  Stratford  is  one  of  the  oldest  in 
this  Commonwealth  have,  through  and  because  of  their  age,  a  kind  of 
town  or  family  honor,  which  their  children  always  feel  proud  to  uphold 
and  sustain.     We  Americans  naturally  and  justly  do  not  think  much  of 


76  Stratford's  celebration. 

a  titled  or  blooded  aristocracy,  such  as  England  and  Germany  possess, 
for  the  bad  features  of  an  aristocracy  exceed  the  good  ones.  But  for  all 
that,  there  are  good  points  in  an  aristocracy.  For  one  thing,  every 
poorest  son  of  an  aristocratic  English  or  German  family  feels  weighing 
upon  him,  as  an  incentive  to  a  noble,  honorable  life,  the  family  name 
and  fame,  and  more  than  death  he  dreads  to  disgrace  that  family  name. 
Now,  one  has  something  of  this  feeling  as  he  goes  out  from  one  of  these 
old  towns.  If  I  had  gone  away  to  my  life  work  from  the  town  of 
Squedunk,  settled  yesterday,  or  the  day  before,  or  last  year,  the  repu- 
tation of  the  town  I  left  would  not  amount  to  much  as  an  incentive  with 
me  to  a  good  work  and  an  honorable  life ;  but  to  go  forth  from  old 
Stratford  does  mean  something,  as  inciting  one  to  live  an  honorable  and 
useful  life.  A  man  holds  up  his  head  a  little  higher  when  he  goes  into 
the  town  clerk's  office  to  be  registered  for  the  first  time  in  his  adopted 
town,  when  he  can  say,  "  I  was  born  in  Stratford,"  than  he  could  when 
he  must  say  "  I  was  born  in  Squedunk."  This  is  another  reason  why 
you  ought  not  to  let  Bridgeport  destroy  our  name  and  assume  our  life, 
because  our  family  name  and  its  honor  is  at  stake.  Not  that  Bridge- 
port has  not  a  family  name  and  honor  of  her  own,  but  we  want  ours  and 
not  hers  ;  and  we  want  to  transmit  our  own  name  and  not  another's  to 
our  children.  Never  in  the  lifetime  of  any  of  us  may  we  come  home  to 
look  for  the  old  homestead  in  vain  ;  to  find  in  its  place  a  monument  or  a 
public  drinking  fountain,  inscribed:  "Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Old 
Mother  Stratford,  whose  eldest  daughter  so  crowded  her  by  her  growth 
that  she  gave  up  the  old  homestead  and  died  in  her  daughter's  embrace  ; 
to  commemorate  which  graceful  and  timely  departure  the  aforesaid 
daughter  has  affectionately  erected  this  monument  to  her  mother's  mem- 
ory." God  forbid  !  Eather  may  the  old  mother  still  live,  hale  and 
hearty  as  of  yore,  to  welcome  her  sons  and  daughters  from  afar  when  two 
hundred  and  fifty  years  more  shall  have  rolled  away,  as  she  welcomes 
them  to-day. 

But  there  is  another  side  to  this  matter  of  age  as  related  to  town 
life  that  I  want  to  speak  of  before  I  close,  by  way  of  criticism  and  warn- 
ing. While  we  revere  our  past,  and  live  in  the  light  of  its  experience, 
we  must  have  a  care  not  to  worship  the  past,  or  think  so  much  of  the  old 
age  of  our  town  as  to  forget  to  think  of  her  future,  or  fail  to  adjust  our- 
selves to  the  new  conditions  which  confront  us  for  the  future.  To  meet 
this  future  we  must  go  forward  with  something  besides  the  ghost  of 
a  dead  past  in  our  memories,  and  a  pride  of  past  accomplishments  in  our 
thought. 


STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION.  77 

May  I  be  permitted,  then,  before  I  close,  to  humbly  offer  a  few  sug- 
gestions with  regard  to  the  future  before  our  historic  old  town,  and  the 
way  we  should  face  the  future  as  it  emerges  into  the  present. 

Permit  me  a  word,  first,  to  the  old  residents.  Don't  be  too-too-ex- 
clusively-exclusive. Don't  be  too  afraid  of  new-comers  to  your  midst. 
It  is  indeed  a  good  thing  to  have  had  ancestors  who  early  settled  here  in 
this  old  town  ;  but  it  does  not  signify  that  new-comers  may  not  have  just 
as  worthy  ancestors  as  we,  though  they  were  not  so  fortunate  as  to  settle 
here.  The  course  of  wisdom,  then,  is  to  cultivate  the  friendly  and  ap- 
proachable, and  not  the  critical  and  hostile,  spirit  towards  the  new-comers. 
Thus,  instead  of  exciting  their  hostility  you  will  win  them  over  to  an 
admiration  of  all  that  is  worthy  in  our  town  life,  and  make  them  as  true 
and  loyal  to  Stratford  in  the  future  as  you  are  now.  Be  as  proud,  then, 
of  your  own  good  name  and  of  the  good  name  of  your  ancestors  as  you 
will ;  but  do  not  be  so  loftily  conscious  of  your  own  assumed  family 
superiority  as  to  live  in  constant  fear  lest  you  should  soil  your  hands  by 
the  clasp  of  brotherhood  in  ordinary  social  intercourse  with  those  who  do 
not  chance  to  have  so  long  a  pedigree  as  you  have !  Such  a  sight  were 
enough  to  make  both  gods  and  men  laugh,  if  it  were  not  so  pitiful ! 
Pitiful,  as  disclosing  our  own  self-sufficiency.  Pitiful,  as  revealing  that 
lack  of  the  genuine  spirit  of  human  brotherhood,  which  is  worth  infinitely 
more  than  connection  lateral  or  relationship  lineal.  Above  all,  may 
God  save  us  from  that  Pharisaic  spirit  which  thank  God  that  we  are  not 
as  others  are,  especially  that  we  are  not  as  these  unknown  publicans  are 
who  do  not  even  know  who  their  great-great-grandfathers  were,  but  who 
have  nevertheless  dared  to  come  among  us  and  even  go  up  to  the  house 
of  God  with  us. 

I  suggest,  also,  that  the  ripe  experience  of  our  old  age  ought  to 
teach  us  in  the  future  to  have  a  care  not  to  preserve  too  hostile  a  spirit 
towards  labor,  and  especially  toward  manufacturing  interests.  It  would 
indeed  be  a  pleasant  thing  if  this  grand  old  Main  Street  of  ours  (as 
no  doubt  this  street  will),  and  a  grand  thing  in  some  ways  if  all  these 
other  streets  could  be  built  up  wholly  for  residential  purposes,  with  resi- 
dences, too,  of  the  better  class.  But  the  ideal  American  community  is 
not  made  up  only  of  residents  of  the  professional  and  what  we  call  of  the 
polite  trades ;  it  includes  as  well,  what  we  more  distinctively  call  the 
workers  of  society.  Farmers,  mechanics,  craftsmen  of  every  kind,  our 
ideal  American  community  must  find  a  place  for ;  and  all  of  these  it 
must  try  to  assimilate  into  the  organism  that  constitutes  its  industrial 
and  social  life.     Instead  of  being  then  afraid  of  the  establishing  of  manu- 


78  stkatford's  celkbratiox. 

factories  we  should  welcome  them — especially  if  they  call  for  skilled 
American  labor :  and  we  should  try  to  impress  upon  their  operatives  the 
stamp  of  our  own  ambition  and  culture  and  life.  I  say  that  is  the  ideal 
American  community  which  finds  an  honored  place  in  its  organism  for 
labor,  of  whatever  kind  it  be,  whether  of  hand  or  of  brain,  so  it  be  hon- 
est; and  which  makes  nt>  invidious  comparisons  on  account  of  the  par- 
ticular kind  or  compensation  of  the  work  by  which  an  honest  living  is 
gained.  For  unless,  gentlemen,  unless  we  can  do  this — make  all  labor 
of  hand  or  brain  equally  honorable  in  our  estimate  of  social  worth  and 
privilege — there  is  a  sad  day  before  this  nation.  For  on  this  rock  of 
wealth  and  its  ease,  despising  the  labor  which  created  it,  on  this  rock  has 
split  many  a  social  and  industrial  craft  in  the  past;  and  this  rock,  if  not 
kept  clear  of,  is  going  to  wreck  many  a  seeming  social  and  industrial 
prosperity  of  the  future.  Oh !  I  have  been  very  grateful  many  a  time 
in  the  past  few  years,  when  home-sickness  for  old  Stratford  has  for  a 
moment  come  over  me,  that  my  lot  has  been  cast  for  the  present  in — if 
not  so  beautiful  a  town  as  my  native  place — yet  in  as  truly  American  a 
town  as  exists,  I  believe,  in  all  new  England.  A  town  where  wealth 
puts  on  no  supercilious  airs,  and  where  honest  labor  of  every  kind,  if 
combined  with  an  honest  reputation,  is  the  passport  to  every  social  priv- 
ilege, church  amenity,  and  political  honor. 

Don't  be  afraid,  then,  of  doing  your  part  in  preserving  the  dignitv 
of  labor  which  is  so  essential  to  our  best  community  and  national  life. 

But  a  word  more  and  I  am  done.  And  that  word  relates  to  the 
educational  possibilities  and  duties  ever  enlarging  before  you.  I  well 
remember  the  struggle  which  began  in  this  town,  it  must  be  twenty 
years  ago,  for  the  betterment  of  our  educational  interests  by  the  estab- 
lishment, in  the  place  of  our  scattered  ungraded  schools,  of  the  central 
graded  school.  The  remembrance  of  the  hot  debates  upon  that  matter 
in  the  school-houses  and  the  Town  Hall  will  ever  remain  in  my  memory 
as  the  most  marvelous  thing  in  the  way  of  debate  that  I  ever  listened  to, 
or  ever  heard  of.  You  know  how  the  early  movement  ingloriously 
failed,  and  how  only  when  the  old  fighters  were  recruited  by  a  younger 
generation  success  came,  and  the  long  hoped  for  graded  school  was  built 
and  equipped.  Now  you  are  resting  on  your  well  won  laurels  and  enjoy- 
ing the  fruits  of  your  victory.  But,  remember,  that  if  Stratford  is  to 
continue  her  growth,  there  are  new  campaigns  before  you  along  the  same 
line  where  you  have  already  fought  and  won,  and  now  is  the  time  to 
begin  to  look  forward  to,  and  to  plan  for  these  campaigns.  Let  it  be 
your  proud  boa«t.  as  your  population  shall  multiply  and  your  children 


Stratford's  celebration.  79 

increase,  to  always  keep  apace  of  the  demands  which  these  make  upon 
you  for  education ;  so  that  the  reputation  of  this  town,  now  so  well  es- 
tablished in  this  once  neglected  respect,  may  be  always  sustained,  grow- 
ing, indeed,  more  lustrous  as  the  years  go  by.  And  with  your  educa- 
tional endeavor,  let  there  go  hand-in-hand  that  effort  to  promote  temper- 
ance, morality  and  true  religion,  which,  combined  with  education  and 
culture,  make  a  town  not  only  a  good  place  to  live  in,  but  as  .well  a  good 
place  to  go  out  from,  to  continue  in  other  fields  of  service  the  good  work 
begun  at  home. 

All  hail !  then,  good  old  mother  Stratford  !  In  all  things  good  and 
true  we  wish  thee  well !  As  years  gone  by  have  added  to  thy  glory,  so 
may  the  years  to  come  increase  thy  fame.  And  still,  while  years  and 
centuries  roll,  back  to  thy  home  may  thy  children's  children  come  with 
loving  hearts  to  ever  wish  thee  well. 


At  the  close  of  Mr.  Judson's  address  the  Hon.  Curtis  Thompson 
was  introduced.  Mr.  Thompson  is  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers,  and  a  native  and  former  resident  of  the  town.  Mr.  Thompson 
delivered  the  following  address  : 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  join  the  people  of  Stratford  in  this 
commemoration.  Standing  here,  my  memory  calls  up  many  scenes 
and  events  of  my  youth.  Forty  years  ago,  on  this  green,  stood  the  old 
brick  school-house,  and  where  the  Veterans1  Monument  now  stands, 
stood  the  old  Academy,  with  the  poplar  trees  around  it.  The  old  school 
teachers,  Peter  P.  Curtis,  Hamilton  Burton,  Emily  Stillson,  Asa 
Seymour  Curtis,  Frederick  Sedgwick,  and  others  engaged  in  the 
great  work  of  teaching,  are  all  dear  to  my  memory.  They  were  not 
only  intelligent  and  devoted  instructors,  but  also  kind  and  true  friends. 
Our  ministers  have  recently  celebrated  the  250th  anniversary  of  the 
founding  of  the  "  First  Ecclesiastical  Society,"  and  have  deservedly 
praised  the  work  of  the  talented  and  learned  men  of  their  calling,  but 
the  work  of  the  school  teachers  and  laymen  has  been  quite  as  effective 
as  that  of  the  ministers,  and  let  us  not  forget  it  to-day. 

And  the  old  Episcopal  Church,  built  in  1743,  was  then  standing. 
It  had  a  beautiful  glass  chandelier,  and  old-fashioned  high-back  pews. 
On  its  steeple  stood  the  same  old  weather-cock  that  stands  upon  the 
new  church  to-day,  made,  it  is  said,  by  Colonel  John  Benjamin,  Jr.,  a 
goldsmith.  Colonel  Frazier's  Highland  Battalion,  which  was  encamped 
on  this  common,  in  1757-8,  amused  themselves,  it  is  said,  by  shooting 
at  it,  piercing  it  many  times. 


80  Stratford's  celebration. 

Not  since  1757  have  there  been  here  so  many  soldiers  as  we  have 
seen  to-day.  Some  of  us  can  remember  the  only  battle  which  ever 
occurred  in  this  town.  It  was  when  Capt.  John  Mitchell's  famous 
company,  dressed  and  equipped  as  Indians,  had  a  sham  battle  on  this 
green  ;  some  of  the  participants  got  so  warmed  up  in  the  conflict,  as  to 
be  dangerous  and  hurtful  to  the  others. 

We  can  also  remember  how  in  1847,  when  Clark  Bissell,  of 
Norwalk,  was  elected  Governor  :  he  was  met  and  escorted  by  our  mili- 
tary bands,  through  this  town  over  this  common,  while  he  journeyed  in 
state  from  Norwalk  to  the  Capitol. 

Then,  where  the  children  of  the  County  Home  now  live,  resided 
Governor  Plant,  as  we  were  proud  to  call  him.  He  was  Lieutenant- 
Governor  from  1828  to  1827,  and  Member  of  Congress  from  1827  to 
1829.  His  stately  and  dignified  carriage  and  pleasing  manners,  as  we 
often  saw  him  on  his  favorite  horse,  won  our  youthful  regard.  Next 
west  of  Governor  Plants  house,  dwelt  the  Eev.  William  B.  Weed,  the 
Congregational  minister,  an  odd,  very  able,  learned  and  eloquent  divine. 
Those  who  knew  and  heard  him  can  never  forget  him. 

Now,  let  me  examine  briefly  the  beginning  of  this  town.  It  was 
settled  under  the  auspices  of  the  Connecticut  Colony,  which  had  on 
January  14,  1638-9,  adopted  a  constitution  which  has  become  the  pat- 
tern of  the  constitutions  of  all  the  States,  and  of  the  Republic  itself.  In 
that  great  work  some  of  the  pioneers  of  this  town  took  part,  and  share 
in  its  credit,  for  some  of  them  lived  in  Hartford  and  Wethersfield  before 
they  came  to  Stratford  in  1639.  It  was  about  nineteen  years  after  the 
landing  of  the  Pilgrims  at  Plymouth.  For  some  years  the  English  and 
the  Dutch  had  been  contending  for  Connecticut.  In  1633  the  famous 
Holmes  sailed  up  the  Connecticut  River,  by  the  Dutch  fort,  landing  at 
Windsor,  where  he  built  his  house  and  fortified  it.  In  1635  Hartford, 
Windsor  and  Wethersfield  were  founded  by  emigrants  from  Massa- 
chusetts settlements,  and  strange  enough  they  came  here  that  they  might 
enjoy  a  larger  freedom  in  civil  affairs  than  they  were  allowed  there.  If 
England  was  sifted  to  obtain  the  choice  grain  that  planted  Massa- 
chusetts, Massachusetts  was  again  sifted  to  obtain  the  choice  grain  that 
planted  Connecticut,  The  relation  of  these  plantations  in  respect  to 
government  was  not  long  in  doubt,  for  they  soon  set  up  a  court, 
so-called,  for  themselves,  and  assumed  all  the  powers  of  sovereignty ; 
not  only  the  ordinary  powers  of  managing  civil  affairs,  but  also  the 
extraordinar}'  powers  of  making  war  and  peace  and  contracting  alliances 
with  the  Indian  tribes.     At  the  court  held  in  1636,  their  circumstances 


S  .3     m 


B  Q    m 


£    o 


Stratford's  celebration.  81 

were  such  that  it  was  judged  necessary  for  every  man  to  be  a  soldier, 
and  in  May,  1637,  with  much  self-reliance,  if  not  audacity,  the  court 
declared  war  against  the  powerful  Pequots  and  raised  an  army  of  ninety 
men,  under  command  of  Captain  John  Mason,  which  took  the  field 
against  the  enemy,  and  after  a  great  victory  over  the  Pequots,  in  their 
strongholds  east  of  the  Thames,  drove  the  remnant  of  the  enemy  to  the 
west,  where  they  secreted  themselves  in  the  great  swamp  now  in  the 
limits  of  Fairfield,  and  where  they  were  again  conquered  and  destroyed 
as  a  tribe.  "  Roger  Ludlow,  and  some  of  the  principal  gentlemen  of  the 
river  settlements,"  accompanied  the  army.  They  were  probably  the 
first  Englishmen  who  had  seen  this  beautiful  territory.  It  was  in  June, 
and  they  were  charmed  with  the  situation,  and  spread  most  favorable 
reports  of  its  features  and  prospects. 

The  gentlemen  who  settled  New  Haven  arrived  in  Boston  in  the  fall 
of  1637,  and  stimulated  by  these  reports  they  sailed  from  Boston,  and  early 
in  1638  founded  New  Haven,  which,  with  Milford  and  a  few  other  towns, 
constituted  a  separate  colony  until  1662.  The  liberal  ideas  of  Hooker, 
Ludlow  and  others,  who  founded  the  Connecticut  Colony,  were  not 
pleasing  to  the  New  Haven  Colony,  which  agreed  with  Massachusetts  in 
allowing  onl}r  church  members  to  vote.  The  Connecticut  principle  was 
stated  by  the  gifted  Hooker,  in  his  great  sermon  of  March  31,  1638, 
"  That  the  choice  of  public  magistrates  belongs  unto  the  people  by  God's 
own  allowance,  who  have  the  power  also  to  set  the  bounds  and  limita- 
tions of  the  power  and  place  unto  which  they  call  them."  Let  us  rejoice 
that  in  the  same  year,  1639,  from  the  same  body  of  freemen  who  had  the 
genius  and  will  to  frame  the  instrument  which  embodied  these  principles, 
came  our  fathers  into  this  goodly  land  of  Cupheag,  and  established  for 
themselves  and  their  successors  a  township  where  assuredly  all  these 
years  those  great  principles  of  civil  government  have  been  preserved. 
I  wish  I  could  tell  you  something  of  the  personal  qualities,  doings  and 
lives  of  the  pioneers.  Whether  they  came  here  by  land  or  water,  we  do 
not  know.  We  know  they  were  Puritans,  most  if  not  all  of  them  hav- 
ing; belonged  to  the  Church  of  England.  We  know  that  in  1640  the 
Puritan  emigration  stopped,  because . the}7  were  kept  busy  at  home;  so 
that  Stratford  must  have  been  settled  mainly  by  the  planters  removing 
from  other  plantations  of  New  England. 

The  pioneers  of  Milford  had  Tibbals,  and  those  of  Fairfield  had 
Ludlow  to  lead  them,  but  who  led  the  pioneers  of  Stratford  ?  We  do  not 
know,  and  infer  that  then  as  now  they  were  all  leaders  and  equals.  It 
may  not  have  been  settled  as  quickly  as  Oklahoma  has  been,  but  the 


82  stratford's  celebration. 

conquest  of  the  Pequots,  and  the  claims  of  the  Dutch  led  to  a  very  rapid 
occupation  of  Stratford  and  Fairfield.  Indeed  it  seems  to  be  clear  that 
they  did  not  wait  to  buy  the  land  from  the  Indians. 

The  Paugussett  Indians  living  hereabouts  were  treated  as  allies  of 
the  Pequots,  and  conquered  with  them,  and  so  the  conquerors  took  these 
lands,  "  to  maintain  their  rights  that  God  by  conquest  had  given  to  them." 
The  quieting  of  the  title  of  the  Indians  was  legally  secured  by  a  decision 
of  the  Court  in  1659,  and  morally  secured  by  deeds  from  the  Indians  in 
1671.  The  Patent  from  the  General  Court  was  issued  in  1687,  so  as  to 
perfect  the  title,  and  strengthen  their  position,  against  the  claims  of  Sir 
Edmund  Andros,  who  had  been  appointed  governor  and  sought  to 
deprive  us  of  our  charter  rights.  He  claimed  that  "  an  Indian  deed 
was  no  better  than  the  scratch  of  a  bear's  paw.' 

Mr.  Orcutt,  who  has  examined  this  question  recently,  informs  me 
that  the  southern  half  of  the  townships  of  Stratford  and  Fairfield  was 
purchased  from  the  Indians  by  the  Connecticut  Colony,  and  not  by  the 
plantations,  nor  any  of  their  members  ;  that  the  same  was  afterwards  sold 
by  the  Colony  to  the  plantations,  and  that  the  other  parts  of  such  town- 
ships were  bought  from  the  Indians,  as  may  be  seen  by  the  deeds  on  record. 

Owing  to  the  loss  of  the  early  records  of  this  plantation,  it  has  been 
a  difficult  task  to  ascertain  exactly  the  facts  concerning  the  settlement 
of  Stratford.  To  the  Eev.  Benjamin  L.  Swan,  Eev.  Samuel  Orcutt,  and 
Eowland  B.  Lacey,  Esquire,  we  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  ;  their  faithful 
work  has  produced  results  which  will  be  of  increasing  interest  and  value 
as  time  rolls  on. 

Mr.  Orcutt  has  given  to  us,  in  his  valuable  work,  the  following 
names  as  composing  the  honored  heads  of  the  first  families  of  this  plan- 
tation : 

Rev.  Adam  Blakeman,  Richabd  Harvey, 

William  Wilcoxson,  Thomas  Fairchild, 

Elizabeth  Curtis  (widow),  John  Hurd, 

Philip  Groves,  William  Jcdson, 

Richard  Mills,  John  Peat, 

Francis  Nichols,  Thomas  Sherwood, 

Robert  Seabrook,  William  Quenbt, 
William  Crooker,  and 

William  Beardslet,  Arthur  Bostwick, 

who  with  their  families  numbered  sixty-five  persons. 

I  have  heard  it  doubted  whether  any  planters  were  here  in  1639 ; 
but  the  General  Court  in  that. year  sent  Gov.  John  Haynes  and  Mr. 
Thomas  Wells  down  to  confer  with  the  planters  at  Pequonnook,  to  give 


stbatford's  celebration.  83 

them  the  oath  of  fidelity,  make  such  free  as  they  see  fit,  order  them  to 
send  deputies  to  the  General  Court,  and  give  them  power  to  choose  seven 
men  from  among  themselves  to  decide  differences ;  and  they  were  further 
desired  to  speak  with  Mr.  Prudden  and  that  plantation,  that  the  difference 
between  them  and  Pequonnock  Plantation  may  be  peaceably  decided. 
So  there  were  planters  here  in  1639,  and  controversies  too,  probably 
growing  out  of  the  occupation  or  purchase  of  parts  of  the  land  by  the 
rival  colonies  of  New  Haven  and  Connecticut,  or  by  individual  members 
of  the  sama 

Our  fathers  were  genuine  Puritans ;  and,  speaking  of  the  Puritans 
generally,  John  Fisk  says :  "  By  1600  the  majority  of  the  country 
gentlemen  and  of  wealthy  merchants  in  the  towns  had  become  Puritans, 
and  the  new  views  had  made  great  headway  in  both  universities, 
and  at  Cambridge  had  become  dominant,"  and  he  further  says  that  our 
fathers  belonged  "  to  that  middle-class  of  self-governing,  self-respecting 
yeomanry  that  has  been  the  glory  of  free  England  and  free  America." 

We  have  strong  proof  of  the  high  character,  culture  and  civilization 
of  the  first  settlers  of  Stratford : 

1st.  In  these  old  town  records,  which  show  how  well  versed  in  compo- 
sition, writing,  and  knowledge  they  were.  2d.  In  the  plan  and  layout 
of  these  wide,  straight  streets,  and  large  commons,  which  show  how  pub- 
lic-spirited and  far-seeing  they  were.  3d.  Look  at  these  wide  thorough- 
fares, radiating  from  this  location — north  to  Huntington,  northwest  to 
Trumbull,  and  west — the  old  King's  highway — to  Fairfield,  and  think 
how  much  they  did  to  make  this  place  like  old  Rome — all  roads  leading 
to  it.  4th.  In  1646  Stratford  gave  <£6  14s.  to  maintain  scholars  at  Cam- 
bridge, evincing  wonderful  zeal  and  self-sacrifice  in  behalf  of  learning, 
when  the  burdens  of  settling  and  protecting  themselves  had  been  well 
nigh  too  great  to  bear.  5th.  In  the  choice  of  a  name,  which,  unlike 
Fairfield  and  Milford,  has  no  local  significance,  and  is  suggestive,  we 
believe,  of  their  liberal  and  scholarly  taste.  It  appears  to  have  been  first 
called  Stratford  in  1643. 

It  is  worthy  of  notice  that  the  first  institutions  set  up  by  our  fathers 
were  courts,  so  that  all  controversies  could  be  promptly  and  legally  dis- 
posed of.  Our  fathers  believed  in  law  and  in  liberty,  or  "  liberty  under 
law,"  and  courts  were  necessary  at  the  start. 

Our  fathers  were  agitators.  Under  that  marvel  of  a  constitution,  of 
1639,  the  General  Courts  met  twice  a  year  "  to  agitate  the  affairs  of  the 
Commonwealth; "  they  were  vigilant,  and  did  not  content  themselves  with 
biennial  sessions. 


84  stratford's  celebration. 

Brissot,  an  eminent  Frenchman,  in  1788,  travelled  in  this  country, 
and  after  his  return  he  wrote  a  book  of  wonderful  power  and  sagacity, 
from  which  I  quote  a  few  lines  :  "  There  is  but  one  real  power  in  gov- 
ernment, and  it  is  in  referring  it  back  to  its  source  as  often  as  possible 
that  it  is  to  be  rendered  beneficent ;  it  becomes  dangerous  in  proportion 
as  it  is  distant  from  its  source.''  He  wrote  also  that  "  the  Americans  are 
destined  to  be  the  first  people  on  earth,  without  being  the  terror  of  others, 
because  of  three  principles :  1st.  All  power  is  elective ;  2d.  The  legis- 
lature is  frequently  changed;  3d.  The  Executive  has  but  little  force." 

Brissot's  prophecy  of  the  Americans  becoming  a  great  nation,  with- 
out becoming  a  terror  to  othei^s,  has  thus  far  been  most  happily  fulfilled. 
I  can  conceive  of  no  more  perfect  ideal  of  national  power  and  grandeur, 
nor  of  one  more  opposite  to  that  of  other  great  nations  of  the  past  and 
of  the  present.  Long  may  the  United  States  hold  fast,  in  theory  and  in 
practice,  to  this  grand  destiny,  and  show  to  all  the  world  that  not  in 
armies  and  navies,  but  in  righteousness  and  justice,  lie  the  true  founda- 
tions of  national  security,  strength  and  influence. 

Notice  another  thing ;  our  first  controversy  was  with  Milford,  which 
seemed  to  be  unlike  Stratford.  Lambert,  in  his  history  of  that  town, 
says : 

"  There  was  no  saddler  in  Milford  during  the  first  fifty  years,  and  sad- 
dles being  very  scarce,  sheep  skins  were  used  as  a  substitute.  It  was  re- 
marked by  the  Stratford  people  that  if  the  devil  should  go  into  Milford 
in  the  shape  of  a  lamb,  they  would  skin  him  to  get  his  hide  for  a  saddle." 

But  I  conceive  the  reason  why  we  have  been  so  distinct,  to  be  the 
wide  river;  the  "inconvenient  f'eriy,"  as  Brissot  called  it,  and  the  ex- 
pense of  crossing  it.  The  first  motion  for  a  ferry  was  made  in  1653, 
"both  in  the  behalf  of  the  country  and  the  town  of  Stratford,"  and 
Moses  Wheeler  was  the  first  ferryman. 

In  1800  the  first  bridge  over  the  river  was  built.  In  this  year,  1 889, 
we  rejoice  that  the  legislature,  thanks  to  the  efforts  of  the  Hon.  Senator 
David  M.  Read,  of  Bridgeport,  has  made  the  bridge  free,  both  on  behalf 
of  the  county  and  of  Stratford,  and  we  will  have  closer  relations  with 
Milford  hereafter. 

Let  me  briefly  refer  to  the  changes  made  in  the  territorial  limits  of 
this  formerly  large  township  :       . 

From  1639  to  1789 — 150  years — Stratford  retained  its  original 
boundaries.  During  that  period  its  history  is  the  history  of  the  five 
townships,  now  carved  out  of  it.  Huntington  was  set  off  in  1789  ;  Trum- 
bull in  1797  ;  Bridgeport  in  1821 ;  and  Monroe  was  set  off  from  Hunt- 


Stratford's  celebration.  85 

ington  in  1823.  West  Stratford  has  been  cut  off,  and  added  to  Bridge- 
port this  year.  The  policy  of  Stratford  has  thus  far  been  to  let  them  go 
in  peace,  and  they  have  gone  with  her  benedictions.  Taking  the  five 
towns  together  as  one,  and  they  show  a  growth  of  population  equal  to 
any  town  in  this  State  except  New  Haven,  and  in  wealth  they  would 
stand  third.  But  what  will  become  of  old  Stratford  if  Bridgeport's 
growth  goes  on.     Heaven  forbid  that  her  name  shall  become  lost ! 

In  1784  the  first  five  cities  of  this  State  were  incorporated  :  New 
Haven,  Hartford,  Middletown,  New  London  and  Norwich ;  all  carved 
out  of  the  old  towns,  and  bearing  their  names.  Bridgeport  was  then 
unknown  by  name.  It  had  been  called  Pequonnock  and  Newfield.  In 
1800  it  was  made  a  borough,  in  1821  a  town,  and  in  1836  it  was  made 
the  sixth  city  of  the  State.  Now,  is  it  too  much  to  ask  that  when  its  ter- 
ritory shall  reach  from  Ash  Creek  to  the  Housatonic  River,  its  name 
shall  be  changed  from  Bridgeport  to  Stratford  ? 

My  friend,  Senator  Read,  who  honors  us  by  his  presence,  assures 
me  that  he  will  aid  us  in  thus  preserving  the  name  of  our  beloved  town, 
when  the  time  for  action  shall  come. 

Mrs.  Schenck,  in  her  history  of  Fairfield,  states  that  the  "neck  of 
land  laying  southeast  of  Golden  Hill,  near  '  Greenlea,'  or  Sea  Side  Park, 
received  the  name  of  '  Wolves'  Pit  Plain,' "  presumably  owing  to  the 
abundance  of  prowling  wolves  which  in  those  days  were  caught  there  in 
pits  dug  for  that  purpose.  Too  many  pits  now  exist  in  the  same  area, 
but  wolves  are  not  caught  in  them. 

Our  history  has  been  in  the  main  a  quiet  one.  The  people  must 
have  been  stirred  up  in  1651  by  the  trial  and  execution  of  Goody  Bassett 
for  witchcraft.  This  religious  malady  seized  on  many  of  the  most 
notable  men  of  that  time.  We  are  not  proud  of  that  event.  Still,  that 
first  generation  was  above  all  an  orderly  and  virtuous  one  in  New  Eng- 
land. Rev.  Hugh  Peters  wrote,  in  1660 :  "  In  seven  years,  among 
thousands  there  dwelling,  I  never  saw  any  drunk,  nor  heard  any  oath, 
nor  any  begging,  nor  Sabbath  broken."  Lechford  wrote:  "Profane 
swearing,  drunkenness  and  begging  are  but  rare  in  the  compass  of  this 
patent,  through  the  circumspection  of  the  magistrates  and  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  hitherto  ;  the  poor  living  by  their  labors  and  great  wages 
proportionately  better  than  the  rich  by  their  flocks,  which,  without 
exceeding  great  care  quickly  waste."  And  Cotton  Mather  called  this 
"  Utopia." 

Perhaps  Sabbath  keeping  was  not  always  voluntary  in  those  days. 
This  case  is  cited  by  Lambert,  at  Milford  :  "  In  1647  Wm.  Blayden  was 


86  strattord's  celebration. 

publicly  and  severely  whipped  for  not  attending  meeting,  although  he 
plead  that  all  the  clothes  he  had  were  unfit  to  wear,  being  all  wet 
through  the  preceding  Saturday,  as  he  had  beeu  abroad  after  cattle  in 
the  woods  in  a  violent  rain,  and  on  Sunday  had  kept  his  bed."  This  is 
justified  by  Dr.  Colton,  who  said :  "  If  the  worship  be  lawful  (and  they 
the  judges),  the  compelling  to  come  to  it  compelleth  not  to  sin,  but  the 
sin  is  in  the  will  that  needs  to  be  forced  to  Christian  duty." 

In  1672  Capt.  John  Minor  and  others  seceded  and  founded  Wood- 
bury. This,  for  the  time,  with  the  two  ministers  on  hand,  caused  dis- 
cussion and  heat.  The  establishment  of  the  Episcopal  church  brought 
at  first  great  discord  into  the  community.  But  it  proved  a  great  bless- 
ing. In  1723,  the  Eev.  Samuel  Johnson  came  as  its  rector,  who,  with 
his  distinguished  son,  Wm.  Samuel  Johnson,  by  their  brilliant  talents, 
scholarship  and  political  abilities,  added  greatly  to  the  fame  of  Stratford. 

The  Eev.  Dr.  E.  E.  Beardsley  of  New  Haven,  himself  a  worthy 
descendant  of  one  of  our  earliest  settlers,  has  admirably  portrayed  the 
lives  and  characters  of  these  great  and  good  men,  who,  with  the  Eev. 
James  H.  Linsley,  are,  so  far  as  I  know,  the  only  Stratford  residents 
whose  lives  have  been  published  in  book  form. 

The  truth  compels  us  to  say  that  in  the  Eevolutionary  contests 
the  people  of  Stratford  were  divided,  although  the  resolutions  of  the 
town  meeting  had  the  true  ring. 

Gen.  David  Wooster  was  the  great  hero,  while  Gen.  Joseph  Walker, 
Col.  John  Benjamin,  Col.  Aaron  Benjamin,  Col.  Samuel  Whiting,  Capt. 
Ebenezer  Coe,  Capt.  Nehemiah  Gorham,  Capt.  Beach  Tomlinson,  Capt. 
Stephen  Middlebrook,  Lieut  William  Thompson,  George  Thompson, 
Zachariah  Blakeman  and  others  were  conspicuous  soldiers  of  that  war. 
Permit  me  to  give  a  few  extracts  from  the  books  of  noted  men  about 
Stratford.  John  Adams,  in  1774,  writes:  "We  stopped  at  Curtiss'. 
The  people  here  say  Boston  is  suffering  from  persecution  ;  but  now  is  the 
time  for  all  the  rest  to  be  generous,  and  Boston  people  must  be  supported." 

President  Dwight,  in  1798,  writes :  "  Stratford  is  better  built  than 
either  Fairfield  or  Norwalk.  The  inhabitants  have  long  been  agitated 
by  religious  and  political  controversies." 

Samuel  Peters,  who  married,  in  1773,  Mary,  the  daughter  of  Wm. 
Birdseye,  of  Stratford,  wrote,  in  his  history  of  this  State  :  "  Stratford  is 
a  beautiful  place.  The  people  are  said  to  be  the  most  polite  of  any  in 
the  Colony,  owing  to  the  singular  moderation  of  the  town  in  latterly 
admitting  Europeans  to  settle  among  them.  Many  persons  come  also 
from  the  Islands  and  southern  provinces  for  the  benefit  of  their  health." 


STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION.  87 

The  late  Charles  Hawley  of  Stamford,  who  was  born  in  Huntington 
in  1792,  and  was  Lieut. -Governor  from  1838  to  1812,  told  me  that  Strat- 
ford was  regarded  as  the  leading  point  of  business,  culture  and  fashion, 
in  the  county,  when  he  was  a  boy.  And  yet  it  is  said  that  Elisha  Mills, 
who  was  a  delegate  with  Wm.  Samuel  Johnson  to  the  State  convention 
which  adopted  the  U.  S.  Constitution,  kept  a  store  about  1780  in  Hunt- 
ington, "which  was  the  largest  in  all  the  country  round,  and  people 
came  from  Norwalk  and  other  places  on  the  sound  to  trade  with  him." 

Old  Stratford,  as  an  agricultural  and  old-fashioned  commercial  place, 
held  its  own,  but  when  the  great  West  compelled  Connecticut  to  turn  to 
manufacturing  and  invention,  Stratford  fell  behind.  Mrs.  Kirk  truly 
says :  "  The  village  has  never  been  stirred  by  those  uneasy  activities 
which  overturn  other  New  England  towns,"  or  if  such  an  impulse  has 
been  felt,  "  Stratford  has  cast  off  its  unruly  suburbs  with  their  enter- 
prises, industries  and  ambitions." 

Mrs.  Kirk  is  the  cultured  daughter  of  Jesse  Olney,  author  of 
"Olney's  Geography."  From  this  stand  we  can  see  the  brick  house 
where  the  celebrated  man  resided.  He  was  State  Comptroller  from 
1867  to  1869.  She  is  the  author  of  a  brilliant  article  published  in  Lip- 
pincotfs  Magazine  (July,  1879),  entitled  "  Stratford  on  the  Sound,"  in 
which,  among  other  things,  she  charmingly  describes  the  old  postmaster, 
David  Brooks,  in  his  old  post-office,  receiving  and  distributing  the  mail ; 
also  the  modern  witchcraft,  called  "  Stratford  Knockings,"  which  so 
greatly  excited  this  community  and  State  in  1850,  not  so  much,  however, 
as  to  cause  any  loss  of  life. 

Stratford  has  retained  in  her  life  and  manners  most  of  the  old-time 
customs  ;  a  marked  equality  and  high  average  of  moral  and  intellectual 
manhood ;  homes  of  comfort  and  peace,  of  plain  living  and  deep  think- 
ing, in  which  few  are  very  rich  or  very  poor  ;  and  a  people  interested  in 
public  affairs.  The  people  here  practised  civil  service  reform  before  it 
became  the  dogma  of  parties.  From  1650  to  1835  there  were  only  ten 
town  clerks — leading  citizens  of  the  town — Joseph  Hawley,  Capt.  John 
Minor,  Lieut.  Joseph  Curtis,  Deacon  John  Thompson,  Eobert  Fairchild, 
Kobert  Walker,  Aaron  Benjamin,  Elijah  Ufford,  Silas  Burton  and  David 
Brooks.  For  fifty-two  and  a  half  years,  between  1803  and  1857, 
David  Brooks  was  postmaster. 

In  1782,  before  any  division  of  its  original  territory,  Stratford  was 
made  a  Probate  District.  Eobert  Fairchild  was  for  many  years  its  judge, 
and  Robert  Walker  clerk.  In  1840,  after  the  towns  of  Huntington, 
Trumbull,  Monroe  and  Bridgeport  had  been  set  off,  the  Probate  District 


88  stratford's  celebration. 

of  Bridgeport  was  formed  of  such  towns,  and  the  Stratford  Probate 
Records,  between  1782  and  1840,  were  removed  to,  and  they  are  now 
kept  in  the  vaults  of  the  Bridgeport  Probate  Court.  Stratford  was 
again,  in  1840,  made  a  separate  Probate  District,  with  Honorable  David 
Plant,  ex-Lieut.-Governor,  as  judge.  Matters  of  probate  for  Stratford 
people,  between  1698  and  1782,  are  to  be  found  in  the  Fairfield  Probate 
Court ;  between  1666  and  1698,  in  the  County  Court  or  Probate  Court 
of  Fairfield,  and  prior  to  1666  in  the  Records  of  Hartford,  if  anywhere. 

Robert  Walker  and  William  Samuel  Johnson  were,  I  think,  the 
only  persons  resident  in  this  town  who  have  been  Superior  Court  judges 
of  this  State.  Stratford  has  had  neither  President  nor  Governor  ;  but  in 
the  person  of  our  honorable  fellow-citizen,  James  Langdon  Curtis,  there 
has  been  a  candidate  for  Governor  of  this  State  in  1884,  and  for  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  in  1888. 

Gideon  Tomlinson,  born  here  in  1780,  removed  to  Fairfield,  and 
was  member  of  Congress,  United  States  Senator,  and  Governor  of  this 
State. 

The  descendants  of  old  Stratford  families  are  widely  scattered. 
Among  them  can  be  found  many  of  distinction  ;  our  United  States  Sen- 
ator, Joseph  R.  Hawley,  is  a  descendant  of  Joseph  Hawley,  whose  home 
lot  was  on  the  corner  where  the  Leavitt  house  now  stands ;  and  the  late 
Rev.  Joseph  P.  Thompson,  D.D.,  of  New  York,  was  a  descendant,  as  I 
have  also  the  honor  to  be,  of  John  Thompson,  whose  home  lot  was 
on  the  opposite  corner,  where  the  Gorham  house  now  stands.  The 
late  Governor  John  J.  Bagley,  of  Michigan,  was  a  descendant  of  Wm. 
Judson,  of  this  place. 

Almost  everywhere  will  you  find  children  of  those  whose  ancestors 
dwelt  in  this  grand  old  nursery. 

This  summer,  at  Stockbridge,  I  found  a  "  Curtisville,"  and  on  in- 
quiry ascertained  that  in  1750  three  brothers,  Abel,  Isaac  and  Elnathan 
Curtis  came  there  from  Connecticut,  "  each  of  whom  had  a  family  of 
twelve  children.*'  They  were  the  descendants  of  Elizabeth  Curtis  of  this 
town.  I  saw  also  there  a  splendid  mansion,  owned  by  a  descendant  of 
our  Rev.  Adam  Blakeman,  whose  home  fronted  the  first  church  at 
"Sandy  Hollow." 

And  there  are  many  others  who  have  won  honor  and  renown  by 
their  lives  and  characters,  who  are  proud  to  trace  their  lineage  back  to 
the  ancient  families  of  old  Stratford.  At  this  time  I  can  only  say  that 
among  them  can  be  found  those  who  bear  the  familiar  names  of  Beach, 
Beardsley,   Benjamin,   Birdseye,  Blakeman,    Booth,    Brooks,   Burritt, 


PARADISE    GREEN. 

From  a  Photograph  made  by  F.  C.  Beach,  1865,  for  "  Lippincott's 
Magazine."    By  kind  permission  of  the  J.  B.  LrppiNcoTT  Co. 


HOUSATONIC   RIVER    (.Near  Wheeler's  Mill). 

From  a  Photograph  made  by  F.  C.  Beach,  1865,  for  "Lippincott's 

Magazine."    By  kind  permission  of  the  J.  B.  Lippincott  Co. 


Stratford's  CELEBRATION.  89" 

Burton,  Chauncey,  Coe,  Curtis,  Fairchild,  Hawley,  Hubbell,  Hurd, 
Johnson,  Judson,  Lewis,  McEwen,  Minor,  Nichols,  Peck,  Plant,  Shelton, 
Sherman,  Sterling,  Stiles,  Thompson,  Tomlinson,  Walker,  Wells, 
Wetmore,  Wheeler,  Whiting,  Wilcoxson  and  Wooster. 

Many  others  are  deserving  of  mention,  such  as  the  Eev.  James  H. 
Linsley,  who  lived  on  Elm  Street.  He  was  a  learned  and  gifted  man, 
noted  for  his  varied  talents,  and  remarkable  for  his  scientific  researches 
and  works.  Through  him  and  his  accomplished  wife  and  daughters 
Stratford  has  derived  much  credit  and  many  advantages. 

Mr.  Linsley  was  a  pioneer  in  the  temperance,  and  Deacon  Lewis 
Beers  in  the  anti-slavery  cause,  and  each  had  to  endure  that  martyrdom 
which  a  person  receives  for  being  in  advance  of  his  day  and  generation. 

I  may  speak  a  word  in  behalf  of  those  who  in  more  recent  days 
have  become  citizens  of  this  town ;  without  them  this  commemoration 
could  hardly  have  taken  place.  They  have  become  embued  with  the 
spirit  of  true  children  of  old  Stratford. 

What,  indeed,  do  we  not  owe  to  these  new  names — the  Russells,  the 
Rhoades,  the  Clarksons,  the  Staggs,  the  Talbots,  and  others,  who  have 
so  generously  contributed  time  and  substance  to  make  this  celebration 
such  a  grand  and  complete  success. 

But  I  must  close,  omitting  much  I  should  like  to  speak  of.  What 
is  the  real  significance  of  this  day's  work  ?  In  calling  to  remembrance 
the  doings  of  our  fathers  we  honor  them  and  ourselves.  They  found 
this  place  a  wilderness,  filled  with  savage  beasts  and  men.  They  sub- 
dued and  converted  it  into  a  paradise.  But  it  was  not  for  that  they  came 
hither.  History  teaches  us  that  when  liberty  and  law  were  triumphant 
in  England,  Englishmen  ceased  to  emigrate ;  and  that  for  one  hundred 
and  fifty  years  after  1640  there  were  but  few  accessions  to  New  England. 
Our  fathers  came,  and  did  their  work  here  for  liberty  and  law. 

Read  Kennan's  story  of  Russia's  treatment  of  her  freedom-loving 
sons  in  Siberia,  and  learn  what  a  hateful  thing  despotism  is.  The 
Stuarts  were  as  bad  as  the  Czars.  Liberty  and  law  have  been  preserved 
to  us.  Shall  we  preserve  them  intact  ?  The  insidious  forces  of  despotism 
are  constantly  at  work  under  new  forms ;  but  we  can  and  must  resist 
them. 

The  maxim  "A  people  without  morals  may  acquire  liberty,  but 
without  morals  they  cannot  preserve  it,"  I  believe  is  true;  and,  if  so,  a 
serious  duty  devolves  upon  us  and  our  successors.  Aided  by  the  pre- 
cepts and  examples  of  our  truly  noble  ancestry,  we  ought  not  to  fail ; 
but  we  cannot  disguise  the  fact  that  of  late  certain  forces  have  been 


99  stratford's  celebration. 

slowly  working  a  change  in  the  habits  and  morals  of  our  people.  "We 
must  not  be  deluded.  Liberty  without  wisdom  and  virtue  may  be  the 
greatest  of  evils.  Human  nature  is  alike  everywhere.  "  It  is  a  moral 
influence,  which,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  has  formed  a  state  of  society 
so  eminently  desirable.  The  same  influence  which  has  formed  it  is 
indispensable  to  its  preservation." 


Before  the  speaking  was  concluded  the  night  was  falling,  and 
crowds  were  pouring  into  the  town  by  rail  and  by  carriage  to  witness  the 
historical  tableaux  and  the  fireworks  with  which  the  celebration  was  to 
close. 


Stratford's  celebration.  91 


THE    HISTORICAL    TABLEAUX. 


Seldom  is  there  seen  a  more  charming  picture  than  that  presented 
by  this  usually  quiet  New  England  village  at  the  close  of  that  beautiful 
autumn  day.  The  sight-seers  still  lingered,  wandering  about  under  the 
graceful  elms,  admiring  the  old  houses,  some  of  which  had  witnessed 
nearly  all  of  the  marvelous  changes  of  these  two  hundred  and  fifty 
years ;  the  incoming  trains  were  constantly  adding  to  the  number  of 
visitors  those  who  were  unable  to  be  present  during  the  day  ;  the  wide 
streets,  across  which  lay  the  afternoon  shadows,  were  still  beautiful  in 
their  holiday  attire  of  flags,  bunting  and  chinese  lanterns,  ready  for  the 
illumination  of  the  evening  ;  clouds  were  gathering  in  the  western  sky, 
and  upon  them  Mother  Nature,  as  if  to  outdo  her  kindly  spirit  of  the 
day,  was  painting  a  gorgeous  sunset,  resplendent  in  vermilion  and  gold ; 
upon  the  broad  piazzas  of  cheerful  homes  family  groups  in  happy 
reunion  were  chatting  of  the  olden  days,  and  reviving  pleasant  recollec- 
tions of  life  in  dear  old  Stratford.  But  as  night  set  in,  "Academy  Hill  " 
became  once  more  the  centre  of  attraction  for  the  crowds,  for  there  was 
to  be  exhibited  a  somewhat  unique  feature  of  the  day's  celebration — 
the  historical  tableaux  representing  old-time  life  and  incidents  con- 
nected with  the  history  of  the  town. 

In  authentic  story  and  oft-repeated  tradition  the  deeds  of  the  early 
settlers,  and  of  the  fathers  in  the  Eevolution,  have  been  handed  down 
through  the  years  until  those  of  the  present  day  have  a  very  good 
knowledge  of  the  general  features  of  the  most  important  events  in  our 
history,  but  of  the  no  less  interesting  details  of  those  events,  very  poor 
conceptions  indeed.  To  cull  from  the  splendid  story  of  Stratford's  past 
the  most  stirring  and  picturesque  scenes ;  to  make  a  special  study  of  the 
leading  characters  in  those  events ;  to  determine  the  costumes  appro- 
priate for  each  character,  and  to  reproduce  the  whole  picture  in  living 
tableau,  on  a  large  scale,  in  the  open  air,  and  under  artificial  lights,  was, 
at  once,  a  happy  thought  and  a  difficult  undertaking. 


92  Stratford's  celebration. 

Credit  is  due  to  Mr.  Howard  J.  Curtis  for  first  turning  the  attention 
of  the  General  Committee  to  this  feature  of  the  celebration,  and  a  large 
measure  of  praise  belongs  to  those  ladies  and  gentlemen  who  entered 
most  heartily  into  the  preparations  for  the  tableaux.  A  liberal  appro- 
priation was  made  for  meeting  the  necessary  expenses  of  such  an 
exhibition,  and  a  Committee  on  Tableaux  was  formed,  composed  of 
Robert  H.  Eussell  and  Wilfred  M.  Peck  as  stage  managers,  Mrs.  Howard 
J.  Curtis,  Mrs.  C.  G.  Gunther,  and  Mrs.  Frederick  H.  Allen. 

After  careful  research,  eight  tableaux  were  selected,  covering  the 
leading  events  in  the  history  of  the  time,  from  1639  when  the  hardy 
settlers  first  camped  in  the  forest  on  the  western  bank  of  the  river,  called 
in  Indian  language  Pootatuck,  down  to  the  time  when,  after  the  Revo- 
lution, the  Colonies  became  an  independent  Republic. 

Much  study  was  required  in  the  matter  of  costumes,  characters, 
scenery  and  stage  effects  that  the  pictures  might  be  true  representa- 
tions of  the  events  as  they  actually  occurred.  Those  called  upon  to 
represent  the  different  characters  in  the  scenes  entered  cheerfully  into 
the  spirit  of  the  work,  and  after  many  rehearsals  the  tableaux  were  ready 
for  presentation. 

The  exhibition  was  given  in  the  evening  between  six  and  eight 
o'clock,  on  a  large  stage  twenty-four  feet  wide  and  sixteen  feet  in  depth, 
with  a  drop  curtain  in  front  and  upright  frames  on  the  sides  and  rear  for 
supporting  the  scenery,  which  was  erected  just  south  of  the  Episcopal 
church,  at  the  foot  of  "  Academy  Hill,"  where  the  ground  sloped  grad- 
ually toward  the  stage,  forming  a  natural  amphitheatre  for  the  large 
concourse  of  people  to  witness  the  tableaux. 

The  stage  was  effectively  illuminated  by  calcium  lights,  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  Frederick  C.  Beach.  The  scenery  for  the  occasion  was 
painted  by  Mr.  Frederick  Lillingston — one  scene  representing  the  front 
of  the  old  Benjamin  tavern,  with  the  old-fashioned  porch  and  swinging 
sign,  and  another  an  old-time  kitchen,  with  its  huge  fireplace,  high 
mantel  and  tall  clock. 

The  audience  which  waited  in  front  of  the  stage  for  nearly  two 
hours,  as  the  scenes  were  shifted  and  the  tableaux  arranged,  was  esti- 
mated at  about  eight  thousand  people,  and  they  testified  their  apprecia- 
tion of  the  entertainment  not  less  by  their  patience  in  waiting  for  so 
long  a  time  than  by  the  generous  applause  which  greeted  each  presenta- 
tion of  a  picture. 

Those  who  took  part  in  the  tableaux  were  as  follows : 


Stratford's  celebration. 


93 


Mrs.  Frederick  H.  Allen. 
Miss  Florence  W.  Allen. 
Miss  Emma  G.  Allen. 
Mr.  Preston  H.  Aspell. 
Mr.  Frederick  S.  Beardsley. 
Mr.  Edward  M.  Wells. 
Mr.  I.  L.  Belden. 
Miss  Grace  Belden. 
Mr.  Robert  Blakeman. 
Mr.  Charles  W.  Blakeslee. 
Mrs.  Charles  W.  Blakeslee. 
Master  Clayton  Blakeslee. 

Mr.  William  B.  Bristol. 

Mr.  Sterling  Bunnell. 

Mr.  Frank  Bunnell. 

Miss  Mary  J.  Burns. 

Miss  Katherine  Burns. 

Mr.  Benjamin  W.  Byington. 

Mrs.  Howard  J.  Curtis. 

Miss  Emma  L.  Curtis. 

Mr.  Frank  R.  Curtis. 

Mr.  George  A.  Fairchild. 

Mr.  Robert  B.  French. 

Mr.  C.  G.  Gunther. 

Mrs.  C.  G.  Gunther. 


Miss  Annie  Ives. 
Master  Joel  Ives. 
Mr.  George  T.  Jewell. 
Mrs.  George  T.  Jewell. 
Mr.  John  E.  Judson. 
Mr.  Samuel  C.  Lewis. 
Miss  Alice  P.  Lillingston. 
Mr.  George  Morehouse. 
Mr.  Eliot  W.  Peok. 
Master  Earl  C.  Peck. 
Miss  Elsie  A.  Powers. 
Mr.  David  L.  Rhoades. 
Miss  Laura  Richards. 
Mr.  William  H.  Rogers. 
Mr.  Lewis  H.  Russell. 
Master  Meigs  B.  Russell. 
Mr.  James  U.  Sammis. 
Mr.  Charles  E.  Stagg. 
Mr.  Charles  K.  Stagg. 
Mr.  William  H.  Stevens. 
Miss  Amey  T.  Taintor. 
Miss  Julia  M.  Taintor. 
Miss  D.  Winifred  Todd. 
Miss  Sally  D.  Wells. 
Miss  M.  Louise  Wolfe. 


Tableau  I. 
The  Arrival  of  the  Settlers. 

History  says  the  first  settlers  came  from  Wethersfield,  Conn.,  but 
in  what  direction,  or  whether  by  land  or  water  they  reached  their  new 
home,  even  tradition  is  comparatively  silent.  The  love  of  adventure, 
the  spirit  of  pioneer  enterprise,  or,  more  probably,  the  desire  to  plant  a 
new  colony  with  institutions  based  upon  their  own  peculiar  ideas  of 
social  and  religious  freedom,  lured  the  first  seventeen  families  into  tlie 
wilderness  to  occupy  the  Indian    village   of  Cupheag,— "a   place   of 

shelter." 

Those  seventeen  families  were  as  follows  : 

Rev.  Adam  Blakeman,  his  wife  and  six  children. 
William  Beardsley,  his  wife  and  four  young  children. 
William  Wilcoxson,  his  wife  and  three  young  children. 
Richard  Harvey  and  his  wife. 
Widow  Elizabeth  Curtis  and  two  sous  (young  men). 
Thomas  Fairchild  and  his  wife. 

Philip  Groves  (or  Grover)  and  his  wife. 

John  Hurd  and  probably  his  wife  and  son. 


94  stratford's  celebration. 

Richard  Mills,  his  wife  and  son. 
William  Judson,  his  wife  and  three  sons. 
Francis  Nichols  and  three  sons. 
John  Peat,  his  wife  and  two  children. 
Robert  Seabrooke. 

Thomas  Sherwood,  his  wife  and  six  children. 
William  Crooker  (or  Crocker)  and  his  wife. 
William  Quenby,  his  wife  and  two  children. 
Arthur  Bostwick,  his  wife  and  son. 
In  all,  seventeen  families,  containing  sixty-five  souls. 

When  the  curtain  rose  a  camp  in  the  woods  was  presented.  In  the 
foreground  was  a  fire  of  rough  logs,  over  which  hung  a  huge  kettle 
suspended  from  a  rude  tripod  ;  grouped  about  the  fire  were  women 
preparing  the  first  repast ;  to  the  right  another  group  were  engaged  in 
unpacking  the  baggage,  taking  from  old  chests  and  bundles  cooking 
utensils,  articles  of  camp  furniture,  guns,  chairs,  bedding,  blankets,  and 
such  other  articles  as  the  settlers  would  naturally  bring  with  them  to 
their  new  home.  The  background  of  the  picture  consisted  of  trees  of 
the  forest,  placed  in  various  positions  to  imitate  nature,  while  above 
these  the  scenery  was  arranged  to  represent  the  blue  sky. 

The  posing  of  the  characters,  the  simple  costumes  of  the  settlers, 
and  the  various  articles  of  camp  life  displayed,  formed  a  striking  picture 
of  what  must  have  been  a  beautiful  scene  there  "  in  the  forest  primeval " 
on  the  bank  of  the  river  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago,  and  gave  all 
present  a  vivid  impression  of  life  in  the  pioneer  days  of  the  colonies. 

Tableau  II. 

Trading  with  the  Indians. 

This  picture  represented  the  settlers  trading  with  the  Indians.  The 
pioneers  of  Stratford  purchased  from  the  natives  their  title  to  the  soil, 
and  all  dealing  with  the  red  men  was  marked  by  a  spirit  of  fairness 
somewhat  unusual  for  those  times.  This  friendly  spirit  was  productive 
of  mutual  advantages,  and  the  tableau  represented  a  scene  which  must 
have  been  often  enacted  in  those  early  days.  The  background  of  the 
picture  was  one  of  the  rude  log  houses  of  our  fathers  ;  in  the  doorway 
stood  women  and  children  ;  in  the  foreground  were  the  white  men  and 
Indians ;  to  the  right  some  of  the  settlers  were  weighing  with  a  mam- 
moth pair  of  steelyards  a  large  bundle  of  skins,  which  the  Indians  had 
brought  to  exchange  for  such  things  as  the  settlers  had  to  offer  in  trade ; 
seated  on  the  ground  on  the  left  was  a  group  of  red  men  watching  the 


Stratford's  celebration.  95 

proceedings  with  cautious  eyes ;  just  behind  the  group  stood  the  giant 
form  of  their  chief,  Okenuck — the  bright  costumes  and  painted  cheeks 
of  the  Indians  making  a  strong  contrast  with  the  sombre-colored  clothes 
and  pale  faces  of  the  white  people. 

Tableau  III. 
Going  to  Church,  two  hundred  years  ago. 

This  tableau  was  a  reproduction  of  a  scene  peculiar  to  early  times, 
and  illustrative  of  the  spirit  which  moved  the  people  of  those  days  to 
face  danger  and  even  death  "  that  they  might  worship  the  God  they 
loved  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences."  The  settlers  . 
knew  that  while  their  relations  with  the  Indians  were  for  the  most  part 
friendly,  nevertheless  the  red  men  were  fickle  and  treacherous,  and 
that  to  enjoy  the  privilege  of  worshipping  God  in  peace,  they  must 
watch  as  well  as  pray.  As  early  as  1652  it  was  voted  in  town  meeting 
"  That  the  present  meeting-house  shall  be  fortified  as  a  place  of  safety 
for  women  and  children  in  all  times  of  danger."  The  men  carried  their 
guns  with  them  to  and  from  the  meeting,  and,  without  doubt,  from  this 
watchfulness  on  the  part  of  the  men,  came  the  custom,  important  in 
those  times,  of  having  the  men  occupy  the  end  of  the  pew  next  to  the 
aisle — a  custom  that  lingers  still  in  these  days  of  peaceful  worship. 

The  tableau  represented  the  men,  women,  and  children  passing 

along  a  path  close  to  the  edge  of  a  wood  in  winter;  in  the  background 

the  evergreen  trees  were  covered  with  the  newly  fallen  snow,  while  the 

drifts  were  piled  high  on  either  side  of  the  way.     In  the  foreground 

were  the  sturdy  settlers  armed  with  flint-locks,  ever  watchful  lest  the 

wary  red  men  might  surprise  them  from  some  convenient  ambush  ;  just 

behind  this  guard  walked  the   aged  minister  and  his  wife,  followed 

closely  by  women  and  children  carrying  foot-stoves,  while  in  the  rear 

was  another  force  of  armed  settlers — the  whole  forming  a  beautiful  and 

suggestive  picture. 

Tableau  IV. 

The  Trial  of  Goody  Bassett. 

This  tableau  was  given  a  prominent  place  on  the  programme.  In 
dark  and  gloomy  contrast  this  one  sad  picture  stood  out  against  all  the 
bright  and  stirring  scenes  in  the  early  years  of  Stratford.  The  children 
of  our  now  peaceful  village  could  hardly  realize  that  this  solemn  pict- 
ure had  a  rightful  place  among  the  rest  in  this  beautiful  gallery  of 
views  of  the  olden  time ;  their  elders,  too,  would  willingly  have  left  it 


-96  stratford's  celebration. 

out,  were  it  not  that  tradition  and  history  alike  demanded  a  place  for  it 
if  a  truthful  glimpse  of  those  times  was  to  be  presented.  In  Ma}7,  1651, 
the  General  Court  at  Hartford  passed  the  following  resolution:  "The 
Governor,  Mr.  Cullick,  and  Mr.  Clarke,  are  desired  to  goe  down  to 
Stratford  to  keep  Courte  upon  the  tryal  of  Good}7  Bassett  for  her  life, 
and  if  the  Governor  cannot  goe,  then  Mr.  Wells  is  to  go  in  his  room." — 
Col.  Eecords,  Vol.  L,  p.  220. 

"The  place  of  Goody  Bassett's  execution  is  pointed  out  by  tradition, 
and  would  seem  to  be  determined  by  the  names  '  Gallows  Bridge '  and 
'Gallows  Swamp,'  used  in  the  first  volume  of  Stratford  Eecords.  The 
bridge  was  located  on  the  'Old  Mill '  road  where  the  railroad  now  crosses 
it."— Orcutt,  Vol  I,  p.  147. 

The  trial  of  the  witch  was  selected  for  the  representation  upon  the 
stage.  In  the  centre  of  the  background,  upon  an  elevated  platform,  be- 
hind a  long  desk,  were  seated  the  Governor  and  his  assistants  compos- 
ing the  Court ;  to  the  right  stood  the  haggard  form  of  Goody  Bassett 
between  two  officers  of  the  law,  her  woe-begone  expression  indicating 
that  she  knew  too  well  what  would  be  her  fate ;  standing  beside  her, 
with  head  resting  upon  the  shoulder  of  the  unfortunate  woman,  was  a 
female  form  whom,  tradition  says,  was  the  only  friend  Goody  Bassett 
had  in  that  bitter  hour,  and  who  clung  to  her  in  belief  of  her  innocence 
even  to  the  end;  in  front  of  the  Court  stood  a  female  witness  with  up- 
lifted hand  taking  the  oath  which  was  being  administered  by  one 
of  the  Governor's  assistants ;  to  the  left  were  the  townsfolk,  neighbors 
of  Goody  Bassett,  who  had  crowded  in  to  witness  the  downfall  of  the 
witch  who  had  been  the  terror  of  their  lives;  some  faces  showing  faint 
signs  of  sympathy  for  the  prisoner,  but  more  bearing  expressions  sug- 
gestive of  the  cruel  taunting  which  the  place  forbade  them  to  utter,  and 
the  still  more  cruel  triumph  so  impatiently  awaited  by  the  crowd. 
Viewed  from  before  the  stage,  under  the  mournful  spell  which  seemed 
to  fall  upon  the  entire  audience  as  the  curtain  rose,  the  picture  was 
weird  and  solemn  in  the  extreme,  and  was  pronounced  by  many  the 
finest  tableau  presented.  The  Governor  at  the  trial  was  represented  by 
Mr.  William  H.  Stevens,  and  the  witch  by  Miss  Sallie  D.  Wells. 

Tableau  V 
Moses  Wheeler's  Ferry. 

The  history  upon  which  this  picture  was  based  is  very  authentic. 
The  ferry  was  for  many  years  the  only  means  of  crossing  the  Housatonic 


stratford's  celebration.  §7 

River  at  Stratford.  The  General  Court  at  Hartford,  May  18,  1648, 
voted  as  follows  :  "  The  motion  made  by  Mr.  Ludlow  concerning  Moses 
Wheeler  for  keeping  a  ferry  at  Stratford,  is  referred  to  such  as  shall 
keep  the  next  court  at  Fairfield,  both  in  behalf  of  the  country  and  the 
town  of  Stratford."  (Col.  Eecords,  Vol.  I,  p.  163.)  The  court  at  Fair- 
field gave  a  favorable  order,  and,  as  appears  from  the  town  records,  the 
ferry  was  running  as  early  as  1653.  The  inhabitants  were  to  be  "  ferried 
over  for  one  half-penny  per  person,  and  two  pence  for  man  and  beast." 
The  agreement  stipulated  that  if  Moses  Wheeler  should  leave  the  ferry 
after  twenty-one  years,  the  town  should  pay  him  for  his  improvements 
and  take  the  property.  It  also  appears  that  the  property  subsequently 
came  back  into  the  control  of  the  town,  for,  on  October  31,  1687,  it  was 
voted  in  town  meeting  as  follows:  "That  what  land  the  town  hath  at 
or  near  the  ferry,  upland  and  meadow,  now  in  the  possession  of  Moses 
Wheeler,  Sr.,  that  the  produce  and  benefit  thereof  shall  henceforth  for- 
ever be  paid  and  improved  for  and  towards  the  maintaining  of  a 
publique  school  for  and  in  the  town  of  Stratford."  This  seems  to  have 
been  the  first  provision  made  by  the  town  for  the  support  of  public 
school  instruction.  Moses  Wheeler  died  at  the  age  of  one  hundred 
years.  Tradition  says  he  was  a  man  of  great  size  and  strength,  able  to 
lift  a  barrel  of  cider  and  drink  from  the  bung-hole. 

The  picture  on  the  stage  presented  what  must  have  been  a  common 
scene  on  the  Housatonic  River  in  the  days  of  the  ferry.  The  back- 
ground represented  the  shore,  rocky  and  wooded,  with  the  blue  sky 
beyond.  From  a  large  rock  on  the  right  the  ferry-boat  was  pushing  off 
into  the  stream.  The  passengers,  old  and  young,  were  dressed  in  the 
costume  of  the  period,  and  were  arranged  in  various  attitudes.  Some, 
gun  in  hand,  were  standing  looking  for  a  chance  shot ;  others  appa- 
rently were  bent  upon  enjoying  the  quiet  beauty  of  the  scene  or  the 
novelty  of  the  sail.  The  representation  of  the  gently  flowing  water  in 
the  foreground  added  much  to  the  natural  effect  of  the  picture,  while 
the  posing  of  the  figures  and  the  expressions  of  the  faces  suggested 
Dobell's  famous  painting  of  "  From  Shore  to  Shore." 

"  In  Childhood's  hour,  with  careless  joy, 
Upon  the  stream  we  glide : 
With  Youth's  bright  hopes  we  gayly  speed 
To  reach  the  other  side. 

"  Manhood  looks  forth  with  careful  glance, 
Time  steady  plies  the  oar, 
While  Old  Age  calmly  waits  to  hear 
The  keel  upon  the  shore." 


98 


Stratford's  celebration. 


The  giant  form  of  Moses  Wheeler  was  well  represented  by  William 
H.  Stevens,  standing  in  the  stern,  in  the  act  of  pushing  the  boat  off  into 
the  stream. 


r- 


kW  lie  ///Mpf 


TOMBSTONE   OF   MOSES   WHEELER. 
From  a  Pen  and  Ink  Sketch  made  by  Mr.  T.  B.  Faikchtld,  in 

Tableau  VI. 


"The  Wolf  Hunt." 

The  history  upon  which  this  tableau  was  based  is  as  follows  : 
"  Wolves  were  a  great  annoyance  to  the  people  of  Stratford  until  about 
1725.  Premiums  of  various  amounts  were  offered  by  the  town  at 
different  times  in  addition  to  the  premiums  offered  by  the  Colony ;  yet 
the  animals  increased  rather  than  diminished."  At  a  town  meeting 
held  April  17,  1693,  it  was  "voted  that  all  persons  ratable  should  be 
allowed  for  man  and  horse,  in  the  service  of  destroying  wolves,  three 
shillings  per  day  out  of  the  town  treasury." 


-  Stratford's  celebration.  9& 

"It  was  voted  and  agreed  that  the  next  Thursday  shall  be  the 
day  to  goe  upon  the  business  of  killing  wolves  if  the  weather  permit, 
or  the  next  fair  day ;  all  persons  to  be  ready  by  seven  o'clock  in  the 
morning  upon  the  hill  at  the  meeting-house  by  the  beat  of  the  drum." 
— Orcutt,  Yol.  I.,  p.  289. 

"Joseph  Curtis,  residing  near  'Old  Farms,'  and  others  went  to 
Newtown  to  gather  grain,  and  on  their  way  home  were  attacked  by  the 
wolves  so  furiously  that  they  threw  their  bags  of  grain  from  their 
horses  and  rode  home  at  full  speed  to  save  themselves  and  horses." — 
Orcutt,  Vol.  II,  p.  183. 

The  tableau  was  a  representation  of  the  scene  on  Meeting-house 
Hill.  In  the  foreground  were  the  men  and  boys,  dressed  in  various 
hunting  costumes.  Some  were  examining  the  old  flint-locks,  others 
filling  the  powder-horns  and  shot-bags,  and  others  restraining  the  enthu- 
siasm of  the  dogs  that  were  to  aid  in  the  chase.  The  posing  of  the 
characters  was  full  of  animation,  revealing  the  courage  of  the  old-time 
hunter  and  the  stirring  heroism  of  even  the  boys  and  dogs,  and  gave  a 
fine  opportunity  for  a  lively  display  of  the  accoutrements  of  the  hunt 
two  hundred  years  ago. 

Tableau  VII. 
The  Visit  of  Washington  and  La  Fayette. 

During  the  early  years  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Washington  and 
La  Fayette  met  and  dined  together  at  the  Benjamin  Tavern  in  Stratford. 
Alice  Thompson,  daughter  of  George  Benjamin,  the  tavern-keeper,  died 
in  May,  1862,  nearly  ninety-eight  years  old.  She  often  related  the  story 
that  "  on  that  occasion  she  and  other  girls  were  gathering  berries  on  the 
banks  of  the  Housatonic  near  the  ferry,  when  suddenly  a  cry  was  heard 
that  soldiers  were  crossing  the  river,  and  presently  an  officer  with  a 
number  of  others  landed  and  asked  the  ferry-man  to  direct  them  to  the 
tavern.  He  replied,  "Yonder  is  the  tavern-keeper's  daughter;"  and, 
calling  Alice,  bade  her  show  General  La  Fayette  the  way  to  her  father's 
house.  She  walked  beside  his  horse  on  the  way  to  the  village,  La 
Fayette  talking  to  her  in  his  charming  broken'  English,  telling  her  of  his 
children,  and  asking  her  if  she  would  not  like  to  go  to  France  with  him 
and  see  them.  On  reaching  home  she  found  that  Washington  had 
arrived  by  the  western  road.  Her  mother,  thus  unexpectedly  called 
upon  to  provide  a  clinnerfor  two  such  distinguished  guests,  would  have 
apologized   for  her  fare,  but  was  assured  by  Washington,  that  all  he 


100  stratford's  celebration. 

wanted  was  simple  food,  and  that  what  was  good  enough  for  her  family 
was  good  enough  for  him.  Mrs.  Benjamin  happened  to  have  some 
potatoes,  then  a  great  rarity,  and  Alice  obtained  leave  to  place  them 
upon  the  table.  In  doing  this  she  stepped  between  Washington  and 
La  Fayette,  when  the  former,  placing  his  hand  upon  her  head,  turned 
her  face  towards  him  and  asked  her  name,  and,  after  some  other  ques- 
tions, told  her  to  be  a  good  girl,  and  gave  her  his  blessing. — Orcutt,  Vol. 
I,  pp.  389-90. 

The  picture  of  this  noteworthy  event,  as  represented  upon  the 
stage,  had  for  a  background  the  front  of  the  old  Benjamin  Tavern.  In 
the  open  door  stood  the  tavern-keeper's  wife,  making  her  politest  cour- 
tesy ;  near  the  steps  stood  the  landlord,  respectfully  bowing  a  welcome 
to  his  distinguished  guests.  On  the  right  were  Washington  and  La 
Fayette  in  Continental  costume,  posing  in  all  the  splendid  military  bear- 
ing of  the  olden  time.  Behind  them  were  the  officers  of  their  respective 
suites,  while  at  the  side  of  General  Washington  stood  little  Alice  Ben- 
jamin, looking  up  into  his  face  in  childish  wonderment.  At  the  left 
were  servant  girls  of  the  tavern,  peeping  from  behind  some  shrubbery 
to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  scene  and  its  distinguished  actors,  the  whole 
forming  a  life-like  picture  worthy  of  the  event.  Mr.  John  E.  Judson 
represented  the  character  of  General  Washington,  and  Mr.  George  A. 
Fairchild  that  of  La  Fayette,  in  this  tableau,  while  the  character  of  little 
Alice  was  taken  by  Julia  Thompson,  the  ten-year-old  great-grand- 
daughter of  the  Alice  Benjamin  of  history. 

Tableau  VIII. 
The  Wedding  of  Glorianna  Folsom. 

The  subject  of  the  closing  tableau  was  the  Wedding  of  Glorianna 
Folsom,  a  revival  of  the  crowning  scene  in  the  beautiful  romance  of 
Stratford.  This  tale  has  been  told  so  often  to  the  children  about  the 
hearthstone,  so  graphically  described  in  Orcutt's  History,  and  again 
so  well  repeated  in  the  story  of  Stratford  elsewhere  in  this  book,  that 
a  brief  rehearsal  is  all  that  is  needed  here  to  form  the  groundwork 
of  the  tableau.  Stripped  of  much  that  tradition  has  added,  the  sim- 
ple story  runs  that  in  the  closing  days  of  the  autumn  of  1770  there 
came  to  Stratford  a  stranger,  wandering  upon  pleasant  errands  of  his 
own.  Charmed  with  the  quiet  beauty  of  the  rural  scene,  and  the  still 
more  enchanting  beauty  of  the  face  and  character  of  Glorianna  Fol- 


stratfokd's  celebration.  101 

som,  a    sweet  girl  of  sixteen  summers,  he  lingered  at  the  Benjamin 
Tavern  until  an  acquaintance  was  formed  which    soon    ripened    into 
mutual  love.     The  stranger  was  John  Sterling,  the  son  of  a  Scottish 
baronet.     Against  all  opposition  of  the  mother  and  the  elder  sister  of 
Glorianna,  young  Sterling  won   his   bride,  the  marriage   taking   place 
March  10,  1771,  and  being  recorded  by  a  simple  entry  in  the  records  of 
Christ  (Episcopal)  Church,  Stratford.    After  the  wedding  they  remained 
in  Stratford,  young  Sterling  teaching  school   "in  the  old  Pendleton 
house  "  for  a  year  or  more.    In  the  autumn  of  1772  the  baronet  wrote  for 
his  son  to  come  home  and  bring  his  beautiful  wife.     Sterling  departed 
alone,  promising  to  send  for  his  wife  as  soon  as  possible,  but  Dame  Gos- 
sip at  once  made  the  prophecy  that  Glorianna  would  never  more  behold 
the  young  Scottish  nobleman.     However,  in  1773  there  came  into  the 
harbor  of  New  York  a  ship,  fitted  for  her  special  comfort,  with  a  quan- 
tity of  goods  of  elegant  material,  and  with  maid-servants  to  assist  in 
the  preparations  for  bearing  Glorianna  away  to  her  future  home  in 
Scotland,  where  a  magnificent  reception  awaited  her.     John  Sterling, 
upon  the  death  of  his  father  in  1791,  succeeded  to  the  title  of  baronet, 
which  he  held  till  his  death.     The  Lady  of  Sterling  Castle,  though  so 
widely  separated  from  her  family  in  America,  kept  up  a  most  cordial  in- 
tercourse with  them  as  long  as  she  lived,  sending  several  of  her  children 
to  visit  them.     "In  Playfair's  Baronetage  of  Scotland  it  is  stated  that 
Sir  John  and  Glorianna  Sterling  had  nineteen  children  in  the  first  eigh- 
teen years  of  their  marriage.     It  is  said  by  the  descendants  of  her  rela- 
tives here  that  she  was  the  mother  of  twenty-two  children.     The  Baron- 
etage of  Scotland  shows  that  one  of  her  sons  succeeded  to  his  father's 
title,  and  that  one  of  her  descendants  held  the  title  in  1879."-~Orcutt 
Vol.  L,  p.  451. 

As  a  fitting  representation  of  the  romance  the  wedding  was  se- 
lected for  the  tableau.  On  the  right  of  the  picture  were  the  bride  and 
groom  dressed  in  the  costume  of  colonial  time,  standing  before  the  aged 
minister  who  was  pronouncing  the  words  of  the  beautiful  marriage  cer- 
emony of  the  Church  of  England;  just  behind  them  stood  the  father, 
mother,  and  elder  sister,  while  the  background  of  the  scene  was  occupied 
by  the  wedding  guests  elegantly  attired  for  the  occasion;  near  the 
middle  foreground  were  two  little  friends  of  the  bride,  boy  and  girl,  he 
in  velvet  suit,  with  long,  dark  curls  about  his  shoulders,  she  in  white, 
with  flowing  golden  hair,  both  looking  up  in  wondering  admiration 
into  the  faces  of  the  beautiful  bride  and  the  stately  groom.  The  ap- 
plause which  greeted  the  tableau  called  up  the  curtain  several  times, 


102  stratford's  celebration. 

and  when  it  fell  at  last  there  lingered  in  the  hearts  of  all  a  regret  that 
the  enchanting  scene  of  beauty  could  not  remain  forever.  The  bride 
on  this  occasion  was  represented  by  Miss  Emma  L.  Curtis,  the  groom 
by  Mr.  Frederick  S.  Beardsley,  the  minister  by  Mr.  Elliott  W.  Peck,  the 
father  by  Mr.  James  U.  Sammis,  the  mother  by  Miss  D.  Winifred  Todd, 
the  sister  by  Mrs.  James  U.  Sammis,  and  the  two  little  friends,  Master 
Earl  C.  Peck  and  Miss  Grace  Belden. 

The  Minuet. 

After  the  tableau  of  Glorianna's  marriage  the  curtain  rose  again, 
displaying  the  guests  at  the  wedding  moving  gracefully  through  the 
measures  of  the  stately  minuet  to  the  music  of  the  violin  in  the  skilful 
hands  of  Mr.  C.  G.  Gunther.  This  feature  of  the  entertainment  was 
under  the  direction  of  Miss  Florence  W.  Allen,  whose  careful  training 
enabled  the  young  people  to  reproduce  this  old-time  dance  of  our 
fathers  and  mothers  with  all  the  grace  and  dignity  of  a  hundred  years 
ago.  Miss  M.  Louise  Wolfe,  in  a  beautiful  costume  once  worn  at  the 
Court  of  Denmark,  having  for  partner  Mr.  John  E.  Judson  dressed  in 
colonial  style,  led  the  minuet;  Miss  Florence  W.  Allen  wearing  a  dress 
made  for  the  ball  given  in  honor  of  the  opening  of  the  Erie  Canal,  Miss 
Amy  F.  Taintor  in  a  costume  the  fac-simile  of  the  one  worn  by  Glori- 
anna,  Miss  Elsie  A.  Powers  and  Miss  Alice  P.  Lillingston,  appropri- 
ately dressed,  and  looking  the  "  fair  women  "  of  the  time  they  repre- 
sented, were  led  with  courtly  dignity  through  the  mazes  of  the  dance 
by  their  respective  gentlemen,  Messrs.  Preston  H.  Aspell,  Benjamin  W. 
Byington,  Eobert  B.  French,  and  William  B.  Bristol,  who,  in  tinsel  and 
gold  and  velvet,  personated  the  "brave  men"  of  those  good  old  times. 
As  the  dance  drew  to  its  close  the  lights  gradually  grew  dim,  and 
as  the  dancers  made  their  final  courtesies  the  growing  darkness  gently 
wrapt  them  round,  and  these  living  pictures  of  the  days  of  long  ago 
seemed  to  fade  into  a  veiled  and  mystic  past,  leaving  only  their  beauti- 
ful impressions  upon  the  tablets  of  memory. 


Stratford's  celebration. 


103 


THE  LOAN   EXHIBITION. 


It  was  late  in  the  month  of  August  preceding  the  date  of  the  cele- 
bration, when  the  General  Committee  of  Arrangements  decided  to  make 
a  Loan  Exhibition  of  antique  articles  one  of  the  features  of  the  cele- 
bration. 

The  Committee  then  voted  to  appoint  Howard  J.  Curtis  a  committee 
of  one,  to  prepare  a  Loan  Exhibition,  to  arrange  some  Historical 
Tableaux,  and  to  mark  places  of  historic  interest  in  the  town,  with 
power  to  add  to  his  committee,  to  select  and  employ  such  assistants 
as  he  might  think  desirable.  The  work  of  arranging  the  Historical 
Tableaux  was  placed  in  charge  of  a  committee  whose  names  are  given  in 
the  article  entitled  "Historical  Tableaux." 

The  following  ladies  kindly  consented  to  take  the  responsibility  of 
the  preparation  and  management  of  the  Loan  Exhibition : 


Mrs.  George  A.  Talbot, 
Mrs.  Preston  H.  Hodges, 
Mrs.  Cornelia  Tucker, 


Misa  S.  Elizabeth  Judson, 

and 
Mis8  Sarah  Russell. 


They  were  assisted  in  a  careful  canvass  of  the  town,  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  the  Town  Hall,  and  in  the  collection  and  arrangement  of  the 
articles  exhibited,  by  the  following  ladies  and  gentlemen  : 


Horace  H.  Judson, 
Edwin  P.  Hall, 
William  B.  Cogswell, 
Ransom  B.  Burritt, 
Mrs.  William  N.  Ely, 
Mrs.  Charles  C.  Wells, 
Mrs.  Anson  H.  Blakeman, 
Mrs.  Robert  W.  Curtis, 
Miss  Alice  E.  Curtis, 
Miss  Jennie  P.  Smith, 


Miss  Helen  M.  Sammis, 
Miss  Amey  Talbot, 
Miss  Cornelia  Burritt, 
Miss  Elizabeth  M.  Burritt, 
Miss  Georgiana  Wilcoxson, 
Miss  Alice  Judson, 
Miss  May  Smith, 
Miss  May  Peck, 
Miss  May  Curtis, 
Mrs.  Howard  J.  Curtis. 


The  labor  performed  by  these  ladies  and  gentlemen  in  the  prepara- 
tion for  this  exhibition  was  very  great     The  canvass  of  the  town,  the 


104  stratford's  celebration. 

examination  of  the  lists  of  articles  brought  in  by  the  canvassers,  the 
selection  of  those  articles  desired  for  exhibition,  the  preparation  of  a 
catalogue,  the  arrangement  of  the  hall,  so  as  to  make  the  best  display 
and  still  preserve  the  greatest  possible  amount  of  space  for  visitors, 
were  tasks  requiring  skill,  taste,  good  management,  and  great  labor. 

The  catalogue  of  the  exhibition,  commenced  on  the  third  day 
preceding  the  celebration,  was  carried  to  a  successful  conclusion  by 
Mrs.  Preston  H.  Hodges,  Miss  Sarah  Eussell  and  Miss  S.  Elizabeth 
Judson ;  and  it  came  to  the  exhibition  hall,  warm  from  the  press,  late 
on  Wednesday  evening. 

The  exhibition  was  without  doubt  one  of  the  most  interesting  and 
instructive  parts  of  the  celebration,  and  although  the  time  for  prepara- 
tion was  short,  the  exhibition  could  scarcely  have  been  improved  by 
more  labor  or  longer  preparation.  All  the  antique  articles  were  dis- 
played that  could  be  well  arranged  in  the  hall.  The  general  effect 
was  excellent,  and  it  was  in  fact  a  large  and  complete  exhibition  of 
antiques.  The  exhibition  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the  lower 
floor.  Along  the  sides  and  across  the  end  of  the  room  a  railing  was 
placed  about  five  feet  from  the  wall,  and  within  this  railing  were 
arranged  the  larger  articles  on  exhibition,  the  old  furniture  including 
two  choice  old  English  sideboards  ;  old  farming  implements  ;  ancient 
musical  instruments,  and  other  antique  articles  of  interest  without 
number.  On  a  long  table  within  this  rail  was  arranged  a  large  and 
interesting  exhibit  of  firearms  and  other  articles  of  war  and  the  hunt. 

Upon  the  walls  were  hung  old  portraits  of  many  former  inhabitants 
of  the  town,  and  pieces  of  old  tapestry  and  articles  of  clothing  and 
bedding  were  also  there  displayed.  Through  the  centre  of  the  room 
tables  were  arranged  in  a  long  line,  and  upon  these  were  placed,  back  to 
back,  two  rows  of  glass  showcases. 

Within  these  the  smaller  and  more  valuable  articles  on  exhibition 
were  placed ;  here  could  be  found  choice  old  China,  rare  pieces  of 
ancient  embroidery,  jewelry,  old  books,  and  innumerable  articles  prized 
as  relics  and  heirlooms  in  many  families. 

Mr.  Lorenzo  B.  Beers  and  Mr.  Robert  W.  Curtis  prepared  and 
exhibited  a  case  of  beautiful  Indian  relics  from  the  rare  collections 
made  by  them  in  the  town  and  vicinity. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  give  any  adequate  description  of  the 
interesting  antiques  exhibited.  The  reader  must  turn  to  the  catalogue 
of  the  exhibition  which  follows  this  article,  and  from  a  study  of  it 
form  a  proper  idea  of  the  extent  and  character  of  the  exhibition. 


s 
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Stratford's  celebration.  105 

During  the  day  of  the  celebration  a  visitors'  book  was  kept  at  the 
Loan  Exhibition,  and  while  from  the  crowded  condition  of  the  room  it 
was  impossible  to  secure  more  than  a  portion  of  the  visitors'  names, 
about  one  thousand  signatures  were  secured  This  book  is  kept  on  file 
with  the  town  records.  For  the  benefit  of  the  towns-people  the  exhibi- 
tion was  continued  during  the  Friday  afternoon  and  evening  following 
the  celebration.  On  Saturday  morning  a  large  party  of  workers  went 
to  the  hall  at  eight  o'clock,  and  at  once  began  the  task  of  distributing 
the  articles  to  their  proper  owners,  and  with  the  aid  of  many  horses 
and  wagons  the  work  was  speedily  accomplished.  At  twelve  o'clock, 
noon,  the  last  load  left  the  hall  and  the  Loan  Exhibition  was  a  thing 
of  the  past.  The  committee  have  yet  to  hear  of  a  single  article  lost  or 
badly  injured.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  the  safe  return  of  the  articles 
to  their  owners  gave  a  feeling  of  great  relief  to  the  committee  in  charge, 
yet  it  was  with  something  akin  to  sadness  that  the  work  of  closing  the 
exhibition  was  completed.  It  had  cost  much  labor,  and  had  <nven 
much  pleasure.  It  will  be  many  days  before  the  scattered  integers  of 
the  exhibition  will  again  be  gathered  together  to  entertain  and  instruct 
a  host  of  visitors. 


CATALOGUE  OF  LOAN  EXHIBITION. 


MRS.  HENRY  THOMPSON. 

1.  Coat-of-arms. 

2.  Silver  candle  snuffers  and  tray. 

3.  Chair  of  Mrs.  John  Thompson,  used  until  her  death  in  her  97th  year. 

4.  Looking-glass  140  years  old. 

5.  Small  trunk  of  Delia  Thompson. 

6.  Two  blue  China  plates,  Mrs.  John  Thompson. 

7.  Tea-table  of  Mary  Beardsley,  1739. 

8.  Small  milk  pitcher  of  Mary  Beardsley,  1739. 

9.  Chair  of  Mary  Beardsley. 

10.  Silver  candlesticks. 

MRS.  CHARLES  D.  CURTIS. 

11.  Grammar  and  history,  of  1790,  which  belonged   to  Judson  Curtis,  father  of  C.  D. 

Curtis. 

12.  Continental  money,  06j^  cts.,  10  cts.,  and  $30,  bills  of  1815. 

13.  An  old    paper,  "  National  Intelligencer,"  containing  an  account  of  a  robbery  com- 

mitted in  Stratford  at  Benj.  Ufford's  store,  which  stood  on  the  site  where  the 
Graded  School  building  now  stands. 

14.  Olive  oil  glasses,  over  200  years  old,  belonging  to  Mrs.  Judson  Curtis. 

15.  Antique  pitcher. 

16.  Large  platter,  blue  and  white  China,  with  cake  plate  to  match. 


106  Stratford's  celebration. 

17.  A  small  platter  formerly,  owned  by  Sophia  Beardaley. 

18.  Two  pistols;  flint  lock,  1765. 

10.  Picture  of  "  Charter  Oak  "  at  Hartford. 

20.  Small  plate. 

21.  Picture,  "  The  Prayer  at  Valley  Forge." 

22.  Gin  glass. 

MRS.  JOHN  O.  M.  PARK. 

23.  Wineglass. 

24.  Coffee-pot. 

25.  Wooden  spoon. 

26.  Glass  bottles. 

27.  Polly  Howe's  Chinese  bandbox. 

28.  Cocoanut  shell  carved  by  American  Iudians. 

29.  Indian  sandals. 

30.  White  gauze  veil. 

31.  Portmanteau. 

32.  Music-book,  1804. 

33.  Small  basket. 

MRS.  BENJAMIN    WELLS. 

34.  Pewter  platter  belonging  to  Rev.  Nathan  Birdseye. 

35.  Hymn-book  from  which  he  read  the  7 2d  psalm,  when  100  years  old,  in  the  Congre- 

gational Church. 

MRS.  LEWIS  H.  RUSSELL. 

36.  Portrait  of  Asa  Benjamin,  date  1795. 

37.  Portrait  of  Hannah  Plant  Benjamin,  1795. 

38.  Portrait  of  Everard  Benjamin,  1795. 

39.  Silk  bed-quilt  of  H.  P.  Benjamin. 

40.  Wristlet  worked  by  Clara  Benjamin  at  the  age  of  76. 

41.  Teapot,  milk  cup,  and  plate,  1790. 

42.  Shoulder  shawl  of  H.  P.  Benjamin. 

43.  Needle  case  of  H.  P.  Benjamin. 

44.  Toast  rack. 

45.  Dutch  oven. 

46.  Portrait  of  Eliza  Russell  Tomlinson. 

47.  Miniature  of  Robert  Morris  Russell. 

48.  Miniature  of  Amelia  Russell. 

49.  Bound  volume   of   newspaper  called  "  Genius  of   Liberty,"  printed  by  Henry   P. 

Russell,  father  of  L.  H.  Russell,  1806. 

50.  China  bowl. 

MRS.  ELIZA  T.  FAIRCHILD. 

51.  Red  cloak  of  Judge  Robert  Fairchild's  mother,  Martha  Fairchild. 

52.  Chintz  bed-quilt  of  Martha  Fairchild,  1739. 

53.  Wineglasses  of  Martha  Fairchild,  1739. 

54.  Punch  bowl  of  Martha  Fairchild,  1739. 

55.  Picture,  "Birth  of  Christ,"  date,  1739. 

56.  Portrait  of  Dr.  William  T.  Shelton. 

57.  Silver  tobacco-box  of  Dr.  William  T.  Shelton. 


steatford's  celebration.  107 

MRS.  CHARLES  P.  BURRITT. 


58.  Mortar  and  pestle. 

59.  Wooden  foot-stove. 

60.  Game  board,  1782. 

61.  Pair  of  stays. 


MRS.  DENNIS  COE. 


62.  Pewter  plate,  150  years  old. 

63.  Wooden  bowl. 


64.  Bed-quilt,  100  years  old. 

65.  Bed-spread,  130  years  old. 


MRS.  LEWIS  COE. 


MISS   SARAH    A.  COE. 


66.  Basket  presented  to  Mrs.  James  Coe  by  Rev.  Mr.  Stebbins,  Pastor  of  Congregational 

Church,  1184. 

MRS.  CHARLES  B.  SNIFFEN. 

67.  Sword  belonging  to  Lieut.  Abel  Birdseye,  1747. 

68.  Cane  belonging  to  William  Birdseye. 

69.  Silver  tankard. 

70.  Two  pictures. 


71.  Dressing-table. 

72.  Chair. 


MISS  JULIA   PENDLETON. 


MISS  ELIZABETH   M.  BURRITT. 


73.  Two  miniatures. 

74.  Silver  ear-rings. 

75.  Pink  kid  slippers,  100  years  old. 

76.  Tinder-box;  pewter  tankard. 

77.  Sampler,  100  years  old. 

78.  China. 

79.  Silver  watch. 

80.  Books. 

MRS.  SUSAN   A.  BARRYMORE. 

81.  Brass  warming-pan,  with  iron  handles,  175  years  old. 

82.  Iron  andirons,  175  years  old. 

83.  Bellows,  100  years  old. 

84.  Mortar  and  pestle. 

85.  Mahogany  courting  chair,  100  years  old. 

86.  High  back  chair,  100  years  old. 

87.  Stand  or  work-table,  25  inches  high. 

88.  Table. 

89.  Blue  teapot. 

90.  Platter. 

91.  Picture  of  the  Kings  of  England  (engraved  on  wood),  from  William  the  Conqueror 

to  George  II. 


108  Stratford's  celebration. 

CHARLES  WILCOXSON. 

92.  Chair,  200  years  old. 

93.  Pistols  and  sword. 

94.  Silver  candlesticks. 


ROBERT  G.  CURTIS. 


95.  Drinking-flask. 

96.  Powder-horn. 

97.  Pewter  dish. 

98.  Pewter  mug. 

99.  Churn. 

100.  Books. 

101.  Eye-glasses. 

102.  Chair. 

103.  Two  plates. 

104.  Brass  candlesticks. 


ALBERT   WILCOXSON. 


LEWIS    F.  JUDSON. 


SAMUEL  W.  BEARDSLEE. 


ELI  LEWIS. 


105.  Bed-quilt  made  by  Mrs.  Hepzibah  Lewis  Wooster,  a  daughter  of  Eli  Lewis,  100 

years  old. 

106.  Silver  spoon;  sleeve  buttons,  said  to  be  beryl,  set  in  silver,  made  by  Mier  Miers,  a 

Jew  goldsmith,  who  lived  on  the  hill  in  the  rear  of  the  Levi  Curtis  home- 
stead. 

107.  Pillow  of  blue  woolen,  partly  lined  with  home-made  linen,  fomerly  owned  by  Mrs. 

Elam  "Wooster,  100  years  old. 

108.  Bible  of  Mrs.  Naomi  Walker  Lewis,  the  daughter  of  James  Walker  and  Jerusha 

Nichols,  1789. 

109.  Coat,  seal  browB,  wooleD,  lined  with  home-made  linen,  formerly  owned  by  the  Eli 

Lewis  who  was  born  January  19ih,  1742. 

1 10.  Chest  for  nine  square  bottles,  about  150  years  old.    It  was  originally  the  property  of 

Stiles  Curtis,  who  married  Rebecca  Judson  in  1730,  the  great-grandparents  of 
the  present  owner. 

111.  Ancient  gun,  of  English  manufacture,  made  in  1741;  supposed  to  have  been  the 

property  of  James  Lewis,  the  great-grandfather  of  the  present  owner. 

112.  Toasting  iron,  supposed  to  be  125  years  old,  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Elam  Wooster. 

113.  Willow- ware  cup  and  saucer,  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Elam  Wooster. 

114.  Music  book,   the    "Chorister's   Companion,"  printed  by  T.  &  S.  Green,   1782,  for 

Simeon  Jocelyn  and  Amos  Doolittle,  New  Haven  ;   formerly  owned  by  Eli 
Walker  Lewis. 

MRS.  CAROLINE    THOMPSON. 


115. 

Teapot. 

116. 

Books. 

117. 

Spectacles. 

118. 

Snuffbox. 

119. 

Ear-rings. 

120. 

Vaudyke  collar. 

121.     Chair. 


stratford's  celebration.  109 

MRS.  SEYMOUR   WELLS. 
MRS.  ELLSWORTH    WILCOX. 


122.  Teapot. 

123.  Nutmeg  grater. 

124.  Chair. 

125.  Small  stand. 

126.  Account  book,  1773. 

127.  Spoon. 

MRS.  ALONZO   GREY. 

128.  Knife,  spoon  and  bowl. 

129.  Curved  chair. 

130.  Coin,  1774. 

MRS.  DAVID   W.  JUDSON. 

131.  Bible,  1744. 

132.  Prayer  book,  1812. 

133.  Samplers,  1767. 

134.  Samplers,  1810. 

135.  Samplers,  1819. 

136.  Blue  plate. 

137.  Vinegar  aud  oil  bottle. 

138.  Tin  sugar  bowl. 

139.  Silver  candlestick  and  snuffers. 

140.  Map  of  Stratford. 

141.  Breastpin. 

142.  Tea-set. 

143.  Teacup. 

144.  Teapot. 

145.  Brass  candlestick. 

146.  Dress. 

147.  Comb. 

148.  Crape  shawl. 

149.  Calash. 

MRS.  ABIGAIL   TOMLINSON. 

150.  Home-made  table-cloth,  date  1760. 

151.  Linen  bed-curtains. 

152.  Round  table,  formerly  owned  by  General  Walker. 

153.  Backgammon  board. 

154.  Small  plate,  cup,  saucer,  and  spoon,  130  years  old. 

155.  Two  plates,  dark  blue  delf. 

156.  Two  fruit  dishes. 

157.  China,  very  old. 

158.  Candlesticks,  formerly  owned  by  J.  H.  Tomlinson. 

159.  Spoons. 

160.  Picture  of  Gov.  Gideon  Tomlinson. 

161.  Coffee-pot  and  teapot. 

162.  Castor. 

163.  Bed-spread. 


110  Stratford's  celebration. 

164.  Picture,  "Washington  crossing  the  Delaware." 

165.  Picture,  "  Battle  of  Lake  Champlain." 

166.  Wedgwood  pilcher,  1752. 

167.  Plate,  pink  and  green. 

168.  Teapot  and  plate. 

169.  Sugar  bowl. 

170.  Sugar  bowl. 

171.  Milk  pitcher. 

172.  Cups  and  saucers  and  custard  cups. 

173.  Red  cloak,  100  years  old. 

174.  Two  large  spoons,  130  years  old. 

175.  Silhouette. 

176.  Chair. 

177.  Table. 

178.  Military  cap. 

179.  Spectacles. 

1 80.  Portrait  of  Got.  Gideon  Tomlinson. 

181.  Gun  which  was  used  by  the  sentinel  who  guarded  Major  Andre  before  his  execution. 

FRANK  E.  BLAKEMAN. 

182.  Study  chair  of  Rev.  Nathan  Birdseye. 

J.  HENRY   BLAKEMAN. 

183.  Chair  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Elihu  Curtis,  and  exhibited  in  the  Crystal  Palace  in 

New  York  in  1854,  reported  to  have  been  buried  for  preservation  during  the 
Revolutionary  War;  125  years  old  at  least. 

184.  Cavalry   sabre,  carried  by  present  owner's  grandfather,  James  Blakeman,  during  the 

Revolutionary  War. 

185.  Six  linen  doilies,  embroidered  by  the  owner's  mother,  Mrs.  James  Blakeman,  when  80 

years  old,  the  linen  having  been  spun  and  woven  by  her  when  18  years  of  age. 

ANSON  H.  BLAKEMAN. 

186.  Cream  pitcher. 

187.  Set  of  small  teaspoons,  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Ezra  Birdseye;   120  years  old. 

188.  Small  blue  plate,  100  years  old. 

MISS    MYRA    CURTIS. 

189.  Chair. 

190.  Mirror. 

191.  Four  books. 

1 92.  China  plate,  cup  and  saucer. 

193.  Plaid  cloak. 

194.  Collar. 

195.  Bed-spread. 

MRS.  PETER  P.  CURTIS. 

196.  Spoons  and  cream  pitcher. 

197.  Round  table  and  candle  stand. 

198.  Pewter  plates. 

199.  Bed-quilt;  original  owners,  Phoebe  Thompson  and  Wm.  Beardsley ;  200 years  old. 


Stratford's  celebration.  Ill 

MRS.  FREDERICK  A.  BENJAMIN. 

200.  Pacing  of  a  military  coat  worn  by  Col.  Aaron  Benjamin,  when  Adjutant,  in  Revo- 

lutionary War. 

201.  Silver  epaulette  worn  by  Col.  Benjamin  in  the  war  of  1812. 

202.  Two  order  books  of  Adjutant  Aaron  Benjamin  of  the  Revolutionary  army,  in  his 

own  handwriting,  transcribed  and  read  to  his  regiment  in  1779  and  1781;  the 
open  one  showing  Gen.  Wayne's  order  for  the  attack  on  Stony  Point,  in 
which  Adjutant  Benjamin  participated. 

203.  Two  bills  of  Continental  money,  date  1778. 

204.  Dulcimer,  date  1750. 

205.  A  bell  harp,  date  1750. 

MRS.  GEORGE,  BARTRAM. 

206.  A  tray,  over  100  years  old. 

MR.  WILLIAM   CURTIS. 

207.  "  Connecticut  Journal,"  1789,  with  address  of  a  Senator  to  President  Washington. 

MISS  AUGUSTA  WHEELER. 

208.  China  plate,  108  years  old;  belonged  to  Col.  Philo  Lewis. 

209.  Counterpane,  100  years  old;  belonged  to  Miss  Nancy  Lewis. 

210.  Two-tined  fork,  silver  handle  ;  belonged  to  Miss  Polly  Howe. 

211.  Silver  watch,  over  100  years  old ;  belonged  to  Captain  Samuel  Lewis. 

212.  A  deed  recorded  by  Joseph  Curtiss,  who  was  Town  Clerk  in  Stratford  for  fifty  suc- 

cessive years,  1677-1727. 

213.  Lace  capes. 

MRS.    MOSES   WHEELER. 

214.  Bead  bag,  knitted  by  Elizabeth  Nichols  Middlebrook,  1790. 

215.  China  teapot,  milk  pitcher,  and  sugar  bowl ;   belonged  to  Hannah  Beach  Nichols, 

1761. 

MRS.  WILLIAM  J.  PECK. 

216.  Wine  stand,  from  the  Abner  Judson  house ;  150  years  old. 

217.  Book  (1706)  owned  by  Timothy  Titherton,  who  married  into  Silas  Hubbell's  family, 

being  the  5th  generation  removed  from  the  present  owner. 

218.  Two  muslin  caps,  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Silas  Hubbell,  Sr. ;  100  years  old. 

219.  Antique  looking-glass,  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Silas  Hubbell,  Sr. ;  100  years  old. 

MRS.   ELIZA  CHATFIELD. 

220.  Goblets,  made  from  wood  of  the  old  Episcopal  Church,  erected  1743. 

MISS  MARY  FAIRCHILD. 

221.  Old  vase  of  great  antiquity. 

MRS.  F.  H.  FELLOWS. 

222.  Picture  of  the  Second  Episcopal  Church  in  Stratford  (built  1743),  framed  with  wood 

taken  from  the  church  when  torn  down. 


112  Stratford's  celebration. 

MRS.  JOHN   HARD. 

223.  Table  and  urn,  made  from  wood  of  the  old  Episcopal  Church. 

MRS.  SAMUEL  T.  HOUGHTON. 

224.  Fruit  dish,  used  in  the  Houghton  family  over  100  years. 

225.  Bottle,  with  wooden  stopple,  fitted  with  great  ingenuity  by  a  Continental  soldier  on 

the  morning  after  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  given  by  him  as  a  souvenir 
to  Samuel  T.  Houghton's  great-grandmother,  who  had  just  furnished  break- 
fast for  the  soldier  and  his  comrade  »n  the  morning  after  that  memorable 
fight. 

MRS.  SHELDON  P.  CURTIS. 

226.  Indian  mortar  and  pestle. 

MRS.  SAMUEL  L.  BOOTH. 

227.  Tape  loom. 

228.  China  sugar  bowl,  slop  bowl,  custard  cup,  and  tea  caddy. 

229.  Plate  with  portrait  of  Lafayette. 

230.  "Wagon  seat,  first  ever  used  in  Stratford. 

231.  Dresses,  150  years  old. 

232.  Portrait. 

233.  Picture,  woven  in  silk,  of  Sir  Robert  Peel. 

MRS.  SAMUEL   A.  PATTERSON. 

234.  Milk  pitcher. 

MRS.  ORVILLE   CURTIS. 

235.  Table-cloth,  250  years  old,  a  Wells  heirloom. 

MRS.   JULIUS    E.   THOMAS. 

236.  A  plate. 

237.  Ancient  warrant  for  arrest. 

MRS.  MARY  T.  MALLETT 

238.  Carving  ;  came  over  in  the  Mayflower. 

239.  Mug,  100  years  old. 

240.  Silver  snuffbox. 

241.  Tumbler  of  painted  glass. 

242.  Silver  sugar  tongs  and  spoons. 

243.  Syrup  cup,  and  plate. 

244.  Lantern. 

245.  Old  deeds;  the  most  ancient,  1735. 

MISS  MARIA  WILCOXSON. 

246.  China. 

247.  Picture. 

248.  Jewelry. 


Stratford's  celebration.  113 

MRS.    SUSAN   T.    WALKER. 

249.  Antique  mitts. 

250.  Walker  Bible. 

251.  Walker  table. 

252.  Milk  pitcher. 

253.  Bed  curtain. 

254.  Gen.  Joseph  Walker's  commission  as  Captain,  1777. 

MRS.  MUNSON  CURTIS. 

255.  Old  chair. 

256.  Engraving  of  Washington  and  family. 

MRS.  CHARLES    P.  BURRITT. 

257.  Old  pair  of  breeches. 

258.  Picture  in  silk. 

259.  Sugar  bowl. 

MRS.  HOWARD   J.  CURTIS. 

260.  Silver  salver. 

261.  Smallest  books  known  in  the  country. 

262.  Mother  of  pearl  boxes,  with  lace. 

263.  Spoons. 

264.  Candlesticks  and  snuffers. 

MR.  JOSEPH   CURTIS. 

265.  Autograph  of  Washington,  on  discharge  of  Connecticut  soldiers. 

266.  SewiDg  silk  shawl,  and  collar. 

MISS   SARAH    PERRY. 

267.  Muslin  cap,  100  years  old. 

268.  Silver  spoon,  80  years  old,  hammered  from  a  silver  dollar;  it  formerly  belonged  to  the 

present  owner's  grandmother,  Mrs.  Sally  Perry. 

MRS.  LEWIS    BEARDSLEY. 

269.  Snuffers  and  tray. 

MRS.  JOHN    H.  SELLECK. 

270.  Old  chair. 

MRS.  CHARLES   GILBERT. 

271.  Table  of  Gen.  Joseph  Walker. 

272.  Sword. 

MR.  WILLIAM   STRONG. 

273.  Second  piano  ever  in  Stratford. 

MRS.  DAVID    P.  JUDSON. 

274.  Old  English  oak  cupboard,  brought  to  Stratford  in  1639  by  William  Judson. 

275.  English  oak  chest,  with  drawers,  brought  to  Stratford  in  1639  by  William  Judson. 


114  Stratford's  celebration. 

276.  Fruit   or  pickle  dish,  white  stone-ware,    salt  glazed,  Aaron  Wood,   Staffordshire, 

England,  1*740-60. 

277.  Fulham   jug,    made  at   the  pottery    established  by  Dr.  Dwight,   who  patented  his 

discovery  of  "the  mystery  of  transparent  earthen-ware  commonly  known  by 
the  name  of  porcelain,  China  or  Persian  ware."  This  jug  was  sent,  with 
other  pieces,  from  England,  by  Lady  Sterling  (Glorianna  Folsom,  married 
March  10,  1771,  in  Stratford,  Conn.)  to  her  sister,  Anna  Folsom,  who  married 
Abram  Tomlinson ;  given  by  her  great-grand  daughters,  the  Misses  Peck, 
to  the  present  owner,  together  with  what  remains  of  a  doll,  also  sent  by 
Lady  Sterling. 

278.  Josiah  Wedgwood  plate,  1752. 

279.  Mayflower  snuffbox,  enamelled  on  copper,  1620. 
2S0.     Patch  box,  specimen  of  Bilston  enamel,  1790. 

281.  First  size  teacup,  1750. 

282.  Plate  G-en.  David  Wooster. 

283.  Delft- ware  bowl  and  plate,  1700.     (Dayton  family.) 

284.  Pieces   of   oak   beam  taken  from  the  building  adjoining  the   Dayton    homestead, 

erected  in  1650  ;  presented  to  the  owner  by  the  artist,  Mrs.  Lily  Curtis 
Angell. 

285.  Gilt  card  basket.     (Wiley  family.) 

286.  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity,  1730.     (DeForest  family.) 

287.  Admiral  Pocock;  William  Pitt;  Maria,  from  "  Sterne's  Sentimental  Journey;"  and 

Sweet  Poll  of  Plymouth ;  Parson  Wetmore's  parlor  pictures. 

288.  Delft-ware  inkstand,  Parson  Wetmore's,  Pastor  Congregational  Church,  1753-1780. 

289.  Newspapers,  "The  American  Telegraph"  (published  when  Bridgeport  was  Newfield, 

1797). 

290.  "  Connecticut  Patriot,"  1828. 

291.  "  Connecticut  Gazette,"  New  London,  1786. 

292.  Latin  book,  used  in  Yale  College,  1752. 

293.  Fairfield  County  Convention,  W.  H.  Harrison,  1840. 

294.  Continental  money  ;  £5  note  issued  by  the  Colony  of  New  York,  1758. 

MR.  ROBERT    H.  WETMORE. 

295.  Parson  Wetmore's  punch  bowl. 

MISS   CELIA   CURTIS. 

296.  Dressing- table,  date  1764. 

297.  Curtis  Bible,  date  1599. 

298.  Fruit  dish. 

MRS.  CHARLES   C.   WELLS. 

299.  Chair,  exhibited  in   the  Crystal  Palace,  New  York,  in  1854,  125  years  old,  formerly 

owned  by  Mrs.  Elihu  Curtis,  of  Oronoque. 

300.  Tray,  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Ezra  Birdseye. 

301.  Bible,  105  years  old,  containing  the  record  of  the  death  of  Lieutenant  Nathan  Wells, 

who  died  May  20,  1776. 

302.  Manual  of  the  first  Continental  Congress,  held  in  Philadelphia,  September  5,  1774. 

303.  Pewter  tumblers;  originally  belonged  to  the  family  of  Moses  Wheeler. 

304.  Teapot ;  sugar  bowl. 

305.  Cloak  and  bonnet. 


Stratford's  celebration.  115 

MR.  DAVID    B.  BOOTH. 


306.  Old  account  book,  1690. 

307.  Brass  knocker. 

308.  Continental  money,  Sets.,  1777. 


MRS.  SAMUEL    N.  WELLS. 


309.  Cup  and  saucer  and  teapot. 

310.  Cap,  200  years  old. 

311.  Two  small  spoons. 

REV.  COLLIS    I.  POTTER. 

312.  Tumbler,   130   years  old;  came  from  the  present  owner's  great-grandmother,  Mrs. 

Daniel  Ford,  of  Litchfield,  Ct. 

313.  Fan,  130  years  old. 

MISS  JENNIE    SHELTON. 

314.  Two  Spanish  silver  dollars,  found  in  the  oellar  of  Dr.  Shelton's  residence. 

315.  Ancient  needlework. 

316.  Sheets  spun  by  Mrs.  Caroline  Shelton. 

MRS.  FREDERICK    LILLINGSTON. 

317.  Ancient  work-bag. 


318.  One  chair. 

319.  Tea  caddy. 

320.  Shawl. 

321.  Chair. 

322.  Plates. 


323.  Two  old  flags. 

324.  Wedding  dress. 

325.  Old  clock. 


MRS.   WILLIAM    E.    WHEELER. 


MISS    SUSAN  C.  CURTIS. 


MRS.  C.  G.  GUNTHER. 


MRS.  LAMSON   VAN    VOORHIS. 


MRS.  JOHN    W.  LATTIN. 
326.     Highdaddy,  130  years  old;  formerly  owned  by  Jacob  Baldwin. 


327.  Warming-pan. 

328.  Spoon. 

329.  China  cup. 

330.  Glass. 

331.  Miniature. 


MRS.  WILSON    FRENCH. 


MISS    EMILY    BOOTH. 


MRS.  LEWIS  BURRITT. 


116  stbatford's  celebration. 

MRS.  L.  L.  WOODING. 

332.  Dress. 

MRS.  S.  C.  DICKINSON. 

333.  Bible. 

334.  Pitcher. 

MR.  FREDERICK    F.  PERRY. 

335.  Silver  dollar,  1782,  formerly  owned  by  "William  M.  Perry. 

336.  Silver  dollar,  1795,  formerly  owned  by  "William  M.  Perry. 

337.  Silver  dollar,  1800,  formerly  owned  by  "William  M.  Perry. 

338.  Silver  dollar,  1818,  formerly  owned  by  "William  M.  Perry. 

MRS.  PHILIP  C.  LEWIS. 

339.  Tea-pot   stand,  over  100  years  old,  came  from  present  owner's  grandfather,   Col. 

Philo  Lewis. 

340.  Small  dressing-table,  over  100  years  old,  came  from  present  owner's  grandfather, 

Col.  Philo  Lewis. 

341.  Bead  bag,  100  years  old. 

FROM    THE   "JOHNSON    HOMESTEAD." 

342.  Basin  and  ewer,  old  Chinese,  150  years  old. 

343.  Early  brown  Derby  cup  and  saucer,  125  years  old. 

344.  Embroidered  white  satin  slippers  and  brocade  dress,  worn  by  Mrs.  Samuel  Johnson, 

about  1740. 

345.  Screen,  worked  about  1760. 

346.  Table,  bought  at  the  auction  sale  of  the  effects  of  the   last   Colonial-Governor   of 

New  York. 

347.  Autograph  letters  from  Benjamin  Franklin.  John  Hancock,  and  General  "Washington. 

348.  Old  laces,  Venetian,  Pomp. 

349.  Tea-pot,  cups  and  saucers,  old  Chinese,  the  first  importation  to  the  colonies. 

MISS   MARY   L.  SNOWDEN. 

350.  Miniature  side  saddle,  100  years  old,  came  to  the  present  owner  from  her  grand- 

mother, Mrs.  Robert  Bogardus. 

351.  Opera  glass,  100  years  old,  owned  by  same. 

352.  Tea  spoon,  buried  in  Trinity  Church -yard  during  the  revolution. 

353.  Homer's  Poems  (Melmoth's  edition). 

354.  Domestic  Memories,  dedicated  to  Mrs.  General  Washington  in  1790. 

355.  Black  velvet  hat,  and  riding  hat,  worn  by  Mrs.  X.  H.  Snowden 

356.  Flute  used  by  Rev.  S.  F.  Snowden,  when  a  student  in  the  Princeton  College,  100 

years  ago. 

MRS.  GEORGE   A.  TALBOT. 

357.  Pictures  of  the  twelve  months,  female  figure.1,  very  old. 

358.  Two  old  engravings. 

:'-59.  Dresses,  nearly  100  years  old. 

360.  Lace,  slippers  and  embroidery,  same  period. 

361.  Chair,  150  years  old. 

362.  Specimens  of  China,  200  years  old. 


Stratford's  celebration.  117 

363.  Combs,  100  years  old. 

364.  Small  articles  of  jewelry. 

365.  Old  silver. 

366.  Old  tankard. 

367.  Toilet  glass,  150  years  old. 

368.  Arm  chair,  same  date. 

369.  Carved  fan. 

370.  Candlesticks. 

371.  Bronze  mirror. 

MRS.  WILLIAM    N.  ELY. 

372.  Spinning  wheel  and  flax  spinner,  used  from  1790  to  1830. 

373.  Newspaper  of  1780,  with  the  account  of  the  treachery  of  Benedict  Arnold. 

374.  Pearl  jewelry,  worn  by  the  owner's  great-grandmother,  Mrs.  Thomas  Olcott,  who 

lived  in  Stratford  1 50  years  ago. 

375.  Lace  shawl,  worn  by  the  owners  grandmother,  Mrs.  Capt.  Nehemiah  Gorham ;  125 

years  old. 

MRS.  JOHN  W.  STERLING. 

376.  Several  numbers  of  "  Connecticut  Journal,"  1775  and  1782. 

377.  Dr.  Hezekiah  Tomlinson's  arm  chair,  1770. 

378.  Wood  engravings  of  battles  of  Concord  and  Lexington,  by  Paul  Revere,  first  wood 

engraving  done  in  America. 

379.  Silver  bodkin  used  by  Sarah  Blackleach,  about  1740. 

380.  Tomlinson  coat  of  arms,  brought  to  Stratford  by  Henry  Tomlinson,  1657. 

381.  Solomon  Plant's  hymn-book,  1761. 

382.  Bed-curtain,  1790. 

383.  Picture,  Washington  driving  the  Chariot  of  Liberty. 

MISS    AMEY   TALBOT. 

384.  Breastpin. 

385.  Ivory  box. 

MRS.  A.  E.  ROWLAND. 

386.  Old  tankard. 

387.  Coral  and  pearls  over  100  years  old. 

MRS.   E.  M.  CURTIS. 

388.  Silver  pitcher,  hidden  from  the  British  in  the  well  at  Harvey's  farm. 

MISS  AMEY  TAINTOR. 

389.  Carved  comb,  100  years  old. 

MISS  JULIA   TAINTOR. 

390.  Knife  and  fork,  period  before  the  Revolution. 

MRS.  EMILY   WHEELER. 

391.  China  jar,  very  old. 

392.  Four  delft  plates. 

393.  Fiying  pan,  originally  owned  by  Moses  Wheeler,  250  years  old. 


118  stkatford's  celebration. 

MISS  CORNELIA    I.  CURTIS. 

394.  Book  of  Paintings,  80  years  old. 

395.  Satin  bag. 

396.  Two  Silhouettes. 

397.  Doll,  S6  years  old. 

MISS   SELENE  A.  BROOKS. 

398.  Map  of  Stratford,  100  years  old. 

399.  Map  of  Stratford,  66  years  old. 

MRS.  ABRAHAM    LEWIS. 

400.  Silver  spoon,  163  years  old. 

401.  Silver  spoon,  144  years  old. 

MRS.  C.  M.  BLAKEMAN. 

402.  Hatchel. 

403.  Sugar  bow). 

MR.  STILES   JUDSON. 

404.  Old  documents. 

405.  Faucy  piece,  or  stint,  worked  by  Mrs.  Eliza  Booth  Peek  when  10  years  of  age,  1810. 

406.  Small  teapot,  over  100  years  of  age. 

407.  Sugar  bowl,  50  years  old. 

MRS    ROBERT   H.    RUSSELL. 

408.  Portrait  of  Nathaniel  Lamson,  Mrs.  Russell's  grandfather,  date  1795,   also   his   fob 

watch  chain. 
Sundries  belonging  to  Mary,  wife  of  Nathaniel  Lamson  and  daughter  of  the  Hon. 
Andrew  Adams,    and  Mary,  daughter  Zachariah  Fairchild,   of  Stratford,  as 
follows  : 

409.  Punch  bowl. 

410.  Screen,  embroidered  by  Mary  Adams,  in  her  17th  year,  1798. 

411.  Silver  knitting  sheath  and  needle  case. 

412.  Pewter  sugar  bowl. 

413.  Foot  stove. 

414.  Two  wool-cards. 

415.  Fire  pan. 

416.  Spinning  wheel. 

417.  Silver  bodice-pins,  over  150  years  old. 

418.  Two  teaspoons,  over  150  years  old. 

419.  One  cornelian  ornament  for  fob  watch  chain. 

420.  Dress  worked  by  Amanda  Lamson  in  her  8th  year. 

421.  Bead  neck-lace  of  Amanda  Lamson,  made  in  her  16th  year. 

422.  Spectacles,  over  150  years  old. 

All  the  above  articles  were  brought  to    Stratford  by  Mrs.  Amanda  Lamson  Van 
Voorhis,  in  1870. 

MRS.  SARAH    T.  DOUGHERTY. 

423.  Portrait  of  Dr.  Hezekiah  Judson. 

424.  Two  Silhouettes,  male  and  female  heads. 


Stratford's  celebration.  119 

MISS  JULIA    FAIRCHILD. 

425.  Portrait  of  Judge  Robert  Fairchild. 

426.  Chair  belonging  to  Judge  Robert  Fairchild. 

427.  Letter  from  John  Quincy  Adams  to  Robert  Fairchild. 

MRS.  PRESTON  H.  HODGES. 

428.  Cup  and  saucer,  and  chair,  the  wedding  outfit  of  the  present  owner's  grandmother,. 

Helen  Birdseye,  who  was  married  in  1184  to  Thaddeus  Birdseye,  son  of  old 
Parson  Birdseye,  of  Oronoque. 

MRS.  JANE   S.  DUNBAR. 

429.  Chairs,  formerly  of  present  owner's  grandmother,  Mrs.  Alice  Thompson. 

MR.  BENJAMIN   T.  FAIRCHILD. 

430.  Old  English  sideboard  or  cupboard,  brought  from  England  to  this  country  by  Robert 

Coe,  of  Ipswich,  Suffolk,  England,  in  the  year  1634.  He  came  in  the 
ship  Francis,  John  Cutting,  Master,  with  seventy-five  others;  his  son.  Robert 
Coe,  brought  the  cupboard  to  Stratford  in  the  year  1640.  It  remained  on  the 
same  premises,  and  in  the  possession  of  the  Coe  family,  for  seven  generations 
until  1873. 

MRS.    ELBERT   WELLS. 

431.  Key  of  Episcopal  Church  built  in  1143. 

432.  Latin  book  used  by  Parson  Birdseye  when  in  Yale  College.     The  book  is  dated  1729. 

433.  Baby's  cap,  hand-worked,  over  100  years  old. 

MR.  LORENZO    B.  BEERS. 

434.  Old  coins. 

435.  Powder-horn  used  in  Revolutionary  War. 

436.  Silver  cake-basket  and  fruit  dish,  which  belonged  to  Mr.  A.  .D.  Laing's  mother  in 

1808. 

437.  Small  brass  kettle,  100  years  old,  formerly  belonging  to  Mr.  Laing's  grandmother. 

438.  Pier-table  with  mirror,  formerly  belonging  to  A.  D.  Laing's  mother. 

439.  Certificate,  on  parchment,  of  the  marriage  of  A.  D.  Laing's  father  and  mother,  1808. 

MRS.  A.  T.  B.  DeWITT. 

440.  Pair  of  wine  stands,  formerly  owned  by  Captain  Samuel  C.  Nicoll. 

441.  Mustard  spoon  of  Rebeckah  Lewis,  who  married  Dr.  Joshua  Poor  in  1771,  from  which 

it  dates. 

442.  Portrait  of  David  Poor. 

MR.  WATSON   H    SMITH. 

443.  Antique  pitcher. 

444.  Account  book  of  the  First  Ecclesiastical  Society. 

MRS.  HAMILTON    BURTON. 

445.  Very  old  China  plate. 

MRS.  HENRY    WELLS. 

446.  Old  fan,  formerly  owned  by  Elizabeth  "Wells,  150  years  old. 


120  STRATFORD'S   CELEBRATION. 

MRS.  FREEMAN   L.  CURTIS. 

447.  First  music  book  of  the  Congregational  Church. 

448.  Two  ancient  plows. 

449.  Bureau. 

450.  Portraits  of  Freeman  Curtis  and  wife. 

451.  Teapot,  platter,  and  plate. 

452.  Reel. 

453.  Small  portrait  of  Stiles  Curtis. 

MRS.  SUSAN   T.  WALKER. 

454.  Miniature  of  Mrs.  Bigelow,  sister  of  Gen.  Jos.  Walker. 

MISS    ELIZABETH    LYON    LINSLEY. 

455.  Harris' collection  of  voyages   and   travels;  two  volumes,  illustrated;  London,  1705. 

These  two  folio  volumes  were  part  of  the  library  of  Lord  North,  whose  coat 
of  arms  is  within  each  book.  This  is  the  Lord  North,  Baron  North,  and  Baron 
Grey,  who  was  Lieut. -General  of  Queen  Anne's  forces  and  served  under  the 
Duke  of  Marlborough  in  the  Low  Countries.  The  next  owner  was  "William 
Lyon,  of  New  Haven,  who  was  a  distinguished  collector  and  antiquarian;  at 
his  decease  in  1830,  his  library  descended  to  his  son  William,  and  later  to  his 
daughter  Elizabeth  Lyon  and  thence  to  the  present  owner  his  granddaughter. 
They  were  brought  to  Stratford  in  1884. 

456.  Plan  of    Stratford,  Connecticut,  surveyed   and   delineated  by   the   Rev.  James   H. 

Linsley. 

MRS.  ALBERT    B.  CURTIS. 

457.  Ancient  fan,  formerly  owned  by  Mrs.  Thomas  Curtis,  of  Woodbury,  100  years  old. 

458.  Old  China  plate,  over  100  years  old. 

MR.  ROBERT   W.  CURTIS. 

459.  King's  arm,  manufactured  under  George  I.,  stored  in  the  Tower  of  London;  taken  out 

by  George  III.  for  the  use  of  the  troops  sent  to  America  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war. 

460.  Specimens  of  Indian  relics. 

461.  Old  table,  hidden  from  the  enemy  in  the  "Great  Swamp," Stratford,  during  the  Re- 

volution, bearing  the  marks  of  the  stains  plainly  on  the  legs. 

462.  Hourglass;  has  been  in  the  McEwen  family  since  1771. 

463.  Quadrant,  over  100  years  old. 

464.  Old  bellows. 

465.  China  teapot,  creampot  and  sugar  bowl,  in  the  possession  of  the  McEwen  family  for 

five  generations. 

MRS.  CHARLES   R.  GORHAM. 

466.  Rocking  chair,  formerly  used  by  Mrs.  Mary  Whippo,  great  aunt  of  the  owner;  150 

years  old. 

MISS    ELIZABETH   WHEELER. 

467.  Candle  sticks  and  pewter  porringer,  formerly  the  property  of  Nancy  Ufford,  who 

married  Dr.  Ezra  Curtis,  and  after  his  death,  Mr.  John  Wells;   150  years  old. 


Stratford's  celerlation.  121 

468.  China  cup,  saucer  and  plate,  belonged  to  Phoebe  Curtis,  who  married  Ezra  Birdseye ; 

at  least  125  years  old. 

469.  Tablespoon,  belonged  to  Hannah  Hawley,  who  married  Captain  Samuel  Wheeler ;  1 20 

years  old. 

470.  China  teapot,  belonged  to  Betsy  Booth,  wife  of  Capt.  Daniel  Booth  ;  150  years  old. 

MRS.  FRANCES    L.  GRAY. 

471.  A  huge  wooden  spoon  used  by  the  Indians  to  stir  samp. 

472.  Old  stone  ink-stand,  brought  from  England. 

MR.  JOSEPH    CURTIS. 

473.  Ball  ticket,  1814. 

474.  Dictionary,  1720. 

475.  Connecticut  laws,  1784. 

MR.  WILFRED    M.  PECK. 

476.  Gen.  Montgomery's  mustard  dish;  150  years  old. 

MR.  HENRY    G.  WHEELER. 

477.  Four  Staffordshire  plates. 

MRS.  BENEDICT   PECK. 

478.  Teapot. 

479.  Two  cups  and  saucers. 

480.  Yeast  bowl,  all  over  100  years  old. 

MR.  NATHAN    B.  WELLS. 

481.  Quill  wheel,  100  years  old. 

482.  Swifts,  100  years  old. 

483.  Carpenter's  tools,  formerly  owned  by  Nathan  Beach,  1780. 

484.  Tin  candle-moulds. 

485.  Sign  of  St.  John  Lodge,  No.  8,  F.  and  A.  M.,  1792. 

MRS.  JEFFERSON   CLARK. 

486.  Ancient  spoons  from  Holland ;  York,  England;  Lincoln,  England  ;  and  Stratford-on- 

Avon. 

MR.  LEWIS    BEARDSLEY. 

487.  Andirons,  shovel  and  tongs. 

488.  Large  pistol. 

489.  Indian  stone  axe. 

MR.  SAMUEL   W.  BENJAMIN. 

490.  Quilt,    corded  and   spun  by  Miss  Eliza  Southworth,  and  woven   by   Silas  Burton, 

father  of  Hamilton  Burton.  The  fringe  was  made  by  Miss  Southworth  in  1809. 

491.  Sampler,  worked  by  Miss  Southworth  when  9  years  old. 

MRS.  EDMUND    DIKEMAN. 

492.  Sugar  bowl  and  tumbler. 

493.  Mortar,  very  old. 


122  stratford's  celebration. 

MRS.  HENRY    BOOTH. 

494.  Pitcher  which  came  from  England  in  ship  Lucretia. 

MRS.  JOSEPH    B.  CURTIS,  BRIDGEPORT. 

495.  "Wedding  suit  of  the  father  of  the  late  Harry  Curtis. 

MR.  CHESTER    DORMAN. 

496.  Very  old  wood  carving. 

497.  Newspaper  printed  after  the  death  of  Gen.  Washington. 

MR.  MORTON  BEARDSLEE. 

498.  Plate,  150  years  old,  owned  by  Abraham  Beardslee. 

499.  Plate,  100  years  old,  owned  by  Abijah  Beardslee. 

500.  Mug,  milk  pitcher,  soup  dish  and  coffee  pot. 

MRS.  CHARLES    MOORE. 

601.  History  of  the  French  Reformation,  bought  of  Rainsford,  a  bookseller  in  London,  and 
brought  to  Stratford  by  Rev.  John  Mitchell;  two  volumes,  published  in  1683. 
Each  volume  contains  the  number  in  the  library,  name  and  residence,  and 
coat  of  arms  of  the  Duke  of  Bedford. 

502.  Portraits  from  Holbein,  of  Henry  "VIII.,  Queen  Catharine,  Cranmer,  Anne  Boleyn, 

Cardinal  Woolsey  and  Thomas  Cromwell. 

503.  Fac-simile  of  the  pen  and  ink  sketch  of  Major  Andre,  drawn  by  him  the  day  before 

his  execution.  It  was  procured  in  New  Haven  between  the  years  1832  and 
1835,  by  Mr.  Charles  Moore,  and  brought  to  Stratford  in  1856.  The  original 
was  presented  by  Major  Andre  to  Jabez  L.  Tomlinson,  when  acting  as  officer 
of  the  guard,  and  in  whose  presence  the  sketch  was  made.  He  said  that  it 
was  drawn  without  the  aid  of  a  mirror.  The  original  sketch  was  afterward 
(1832)  presented  to  President  Jeremiah  Day,  D.D.,  of  Yale  College. 

MR.  ASA   S.  CURTIS. 

504.  Flint-lock  gun,  carried  in   the   battle   of  Ridgefield,  Connecticut,  by  Henry  Curtis, 

father  of  Elijah  and  Henry  Curtis,  of  Stratford. 

505.  Set  of  knives  and  forks,  brought  to  this  country  from  the  "West  Indies,  previous  to 

the  year  1800,  by  Reuben  Curtis,  son  of  Thomas  Curtis. 
50G.     Saddle  bags  and  Adjutant's  staff.     Pots  and  kettles. 

MR.  EZEKIEL   CURTIS. 

507.  Very  ancient  chair. 

MR.  STEPHEN   D.  SMITH. 

508.  Ancient  clock. 

MR.  SYLVANUS   C.  DICKINSON. 

509.  Silver  tankard,  1782. 

510.  Spun  flax,  100  years  old. 

511.  "Connecticut  Herald,"  1815. 


Stratford's  celebration.  123 

MR.  NATHAN    G.  POND. 

512.  Old  deed  of  land. 

513.  Original  alarm  sent  along  the  coast  to  John  Brooks,  during  the  Revolutionary  war. 

514.  Post-bag,  Boston,  1744. 

MR.  ABIJAH    MCEWEN. 

515.  Round  hair  trunk,  very  old,  covered  with  figures  formed  by  brass  nails. 

516.  Books   of  Rev.  William  McEwen,  written  by  him  in  Glasgow,  Scotland,  in  1600,  and 

brought  to  this  country. 

517.  Newspaper,  printed  in  Danbury,   Conn.,  December,  1793,  containing  a   speech  of 

Gen.  Washington  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  also  a  message. 

518.  Parchment  written  in  the  reign  of   Charles  I;    it   relates  to  freeing  a  slave  in  Con- 

necticut. 

519.  Account  book  of  John  McEwen,  sheep-skin  cover,  1621-1726.     One  charge  to  Josare 

(Josiah)  Hawley,  an  ancestor  of  Gen.  Joseph  R.  Hawley. 

520.  Cane,  brought  from  Glasgow  by  John  McEwen,  the  first   one  of  the  kind  in  this 

country  ;  over  250  years  old. 

521.  Glass  tumbler,  belonging  to  Gea.  Joseph  Walker,  very  old. 

522.  Key  of  the  first  Gongregational  Church,  brought  from  England  ;  weight  three-quarters 

of  a  pound. 

523.  Lock  of  the  same  church,  one  foot  in  length,  made  of  iron. 

524.  Wooden  candlesticks,  in  height  over  fifteen  inches,  used  in  gallery  of  old  Congrega- 

tional Church. 

525.  Basa  viol,  used  in  Congregational  Church  over  30  years.    Second  one  in  use. 

526.  Pitcher  used  in  Congregational  Church;  bought  for  and  used  by  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Weed. 

527.  Flask  with  leather  case,  dated  1755  ;  brought  from  Scotland. 

528.  Rocker,  formerly  in  Uffoot  (Ufford)  family ;  very  ancient. 

MISS    JANETTE    BOOTH. 

529.  Indian  stone  axe. 

530.  Old  palms  for  hat-making. 

531.  Small  wooden  bowl. 

532.  Scarf  of  sewing  silk. 

533.  Milk  cup,  sugar  bowl,  and  decanter. 

534.  Spectacles. 

535.  Old  spoon,  cup  and  saucer. 

536.  Old  chairs  and  tea  table. 

537.  Punch  tumblers. 

MRS.  ELVIRA    MILLER. 

538.  Ancient  necklace. 

539.  Old  arm  chair. 

MISS  J.   E.  HUNTER. 

540.  Silver  fruit  dish,  formerly  owned  by  Gen.  Joseph  Walker. 

MRS.  FREDERICK   J.  BEARDSLEY. 

541.  Three  chairs,  150  years  old. 

542.  Comb. 

543.  Teapot,  representing  bear. 


124  stratford's  celebration. 

544.  Specimen  of  pink  dinner  set. 

545.  Specimen  of  blue  dinner  set. 

546.  Specimen  of  fine  gilt  tea  set  and  other  old  China,  7  pieces. 

547.  Tete-e-tete  set,  three  pieces. 

548.  Pewter  plate. 

549.  Bullet  mould,  made  and  used  during  the  Revolution. 

550.  Little  round  teapot,  200  years  old. 

MRS.  EDWIN    J.  SPALL. 

551.  Badge  worn  by  Chancellor  Livingston. 

552.  Small  articles  of  jewelry. 

MRS.  JOSEPH    W.  DUFOUR. 

553.  Two  vases,  over  100  years  old. 

554.  Old  pictures,  over  100  years  old. 

MRS.  FRANK  R.  SAMMIS. 

555.  Old  arm  chair,  200  years  old. 

556.  Silver  spoons,  made  in  1800  for   the  owner's  great-grandmother,  Polly  French,  as 

part  of  her  wedding  outfit. 

MR.  ALFRED    BURRITT. 

557.  Pewter  tankard,  175  years  old. 

558.  Silver  spoon,  175  years  old. 


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STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION.  125 


MARKING    HISTORICAL    PLACES. 


While  the  town  of  Stratford  has  not  been  the  scene  of  an  historical 
event  of  national  importance,  there  have  transpired  within  its  borders 
many  events  of  great  local  interest,  which  show  that  the  great  move- 
ments of  the  country  and  world  left  their  marks  in  this  village,  as  else- 
where. Whoever  has  read  the  preceding  pages  of  this  book  will  recall 
that  in  the  great  wave  of  fanaticism  and  superstition  which  swept  over 
New  England  in  1651  the  little  band  of  settlers  at  Stratford  were  swept  off 
their  feet,  and  Goody  Bassett  yielded  to  them  her  life,  condemned  for  the 
crime  of  witchcraft ;  and  so,  also,  when  later  a  religious  movement  arose 
which  was  to  break  away  from  the  regime  of  Congregationalism  and 
establish  a  branch  of  the  Established  Church  of  England  in  Connecticut, 
Stratford  was  foremost  in  the  movement,  and  to-day  points  with  pride 
to  the  site  of  the  first  Episcopal  Church  in  Connecticut.  In  the  War  of 
the  Eevolution,  and  in  the  struggle  of  1812,  Stratford  was  well  repre- 
sented ;  and  in  the  later  moral  struggles  for  the  abolition  of  slavery  and 
the  suppression  of  intemperance,  the  "  story  of  Stratford,"  heretofore 
given  in  this  volume,  will  show  that  the  yeast  of  reform  and  anti-reform 
worked  with  great  vigor  in  our  quiet  town.  As  to  Stratford's  part  in 
the  late  Civil  War,  that  is  elsewhere  fittingly  portrayed. 

In  spite,  then,  of  the  good  fortune  of  our  ancestors  in  escaping  the 
fate  of  Fairfield  and  Ridgefield  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  which,  how- 
ever, left  our  town  barren  of  historical  events,  the  general  Committee  of 
Arrangements  provided  that  places  of  historical  interest  should  be 
marked  in  some  appropriate  way.  In  marking  the  various  places 
selected,  a  list  of  which  appears  below,  the  following  method  was 
adopted  :  Small  white  tablets,  about  fourteen  inches  long  by  ten  inches 
wide,  were  made,  and  upon  these  were  neatly  lettered  the  inscriptions 
appearing  below,  and  the  tablet  was  then  fastened  to  a  post  set  in  the 
ground  at  the  proper  place. 


128  stratford's  celebration. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  places  marked  and  the  inscriptions  used  : 

1.  "  Site  of  the  First  Meeting-House,  1639-1680." 

This  place,  called  "  Sandy  Hollow,"  was  the  centre  of  the  first  settle- 
ment.    The  first  burial  ground  was  back  of  the  church. 

This  tablet  was  placed  in  front  of  the  barn,  known  now  as  the 
"  Barrymore  "  barn,  on  Elm  Street. 

2.  "Site  of  the  Second  Meeting-House,  1680-1743,  on  Watch 
House  Hill." 

February  19,  1689,  at  town  meeting,  voted  that  the  Meeting-House 
should  be  fortified  as  a  place  of  security. 
This  tablet  was  placed  on  the  hill  some  distance  to  the  east  of  the 
Soldiers'  Monument. 

3.  "  Site  of  the  Third  Meeting-House,  1743-1785." 

This  house  was  struck  by  lightning  and  burned  1785.  The  Fourth 
Meeting-House  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  Congregational  Church. 
1785-1858. 

This  tablet  was  placed  on  the  hill  a  little  way  east  of  the  Soldiers' 
Monument. 

4.  "  Site  of  the  First  Episcopal  Church  in  Connecticut,  1723-1743." 

This  burial  ground,  which  was  around  the  church,  was  opened  in 
1723.  The  stone  steps  of  the  old  church  may  be  seen  in  the  burial 
yard. 

This  tablet  was  placed  in  the  southern  part  of  the  old  Episcopal 
church -yard. 

5.  "Site  of  the  Second  Episcopal  Church,  1743-1858." 

Said  to  have  been  the  finest  church  in  the  Colony  when  built. 
This   tablet   was   placed   on  the   common,    north   of    the    present 
Episcopal  Church. 

6.  "Gallows  Bridge." 

The  place  where  tradition  says  that  Goody  Bassett  was  hung  for 
witchcraft  in  1650. 

This  tablet  was  placed  on  the  north  side  of  the  highway  known 
as  the  "Old  Stage  Eoad,"  over  Old  Mill  Hill,  just  west  of  the  track 
of  the  New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad. 

7.  "The  Palisades." 

The  early  settlers  built  a  row  of  palisades  across  the  brow  of  this  hill 
(Watch  House  Hill),  running  about  one  quarter  of  a  mile  west  of  the 
hill,  thence  south,  enclosing  the  settlement. 

This  tablet  was  placed  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  known  formerly  as 
Watch  House  Hill,  and  later  as  "  Custody,"  "  Meeting  House,"  and 
Academy  Hill. 


Stratford's  celebration.  127 

8.  "  Site  of  the  blacksmith  shop  of  Samuel  Folsom." 

Samuel  Folsom  was  the  father  of  Glorianna  Folsom,  the  heroine  of 
Stratford's  romance. 

This  tablet  was  placed  in  the  extreme  north-east  corner  of  the 
Johnson  Homestead. 

9.  "Grave  of  Governor  Gideon  Tomlinson." 

Governor  of  Connecticut,  1827-18:50. 
United  States  Senator,  1831-1 S31. 

10.  "  Johnson  Vault." 

Dr.  Samuel  Johnson,  and  his  son,  William  Samuel  Johnson,  were 
buried  here. 

11.  "Grave  of  Lieut.  William  Thompson." 

He  was  shot,  and  mortally  wounded,  in  the  defence  of  Ridgetield, 
in  1777. 

12.  "Grave  of  Gen.  Joseph  Walker." 

A  gallant  soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  War. 

13.  "Grave  of  Captain  D.  Pulaski  Benjamin." 

He  was  a  prisoner  of  war  at  the  famous  Dartmoor  Prison,  in  Eng- 
land, during  the  War  of  1812. 

14.  "Grave  of  Col.  Aaron  Benjamin." 

Who  fought  with  great  bravery  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  in 
the  War  of  1812  commanded  the  Post  at  New  London. 

15.  "Judson  Place." 

This  house  was  built  in  1723.  The  original  Judson  House  was 
stone.  The  foundations  of  this  house  were  made  from  the  stone  of 
the  old  house. 

This  tablet  was  placed  in   the  yard  of  the   Abner  Judson  house, 
south  of  Watch  House  Hill. 

16.  "Site  of  the  former  residence  of  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson." 

First  rector  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Stratford,  and  President  of 
King's  College,  in  New  York  City,  from   1754  to  176:;. 

And  also  of  his  son,  William  Samuel  Johnson. 

One  of  Connecticut's  three  representatives  in  the  Convention  which 
formed  the  United  States  Constitution  ;  and,  later,  President  of  Colum- 
bia College,  New  York  City,  from  1787  to  1800. 

This  tablet  was  placed  before  the  barn,  on  the  Johnson  Homestead, 
which  faces  Broad  Street. 


128  Stratford's  celebration. 

17.  "  The  Walker  House." 

This  house  was  the  residence  of  Gen.  Joseph  Walker,  who  fought 
with  distinguished  bravery  in  the  Revolutionary  "War.  and  later  be- 
came a  Major  General. 

This  tablet  was  placed  before  the  third  house  north  of  the  railroad, 
on  the  east  side  of  Main  Street. 

18.  "  Entrance  to  the  oldest  burial  ground  in  the  town." 
First  used  February,  1678. 

This  tablet  was  placed  at  the  entrance  to  what  is  called  the  "  Con- 
gregational "  Burying  Ground. 

19.  "  The  Wolf  Pits." 

The  first  settlers  dug  a  large  pit  at  this  place  to  protect  themselves 
.from  wolves. 

This  tablet  was  placed  in  the  Congregational  Burying  Ground,  in 

the  depression  directly  back  of  the  McEwen  place. 


SOLDIERS'    MONUMENT. 
From  a  Photograph  made  by  E.  O.  Hubbell,  October,  1889. 


Stratford's  celebration.  129 


THE    VETERAN    ASSOCIATION. 


In  the  celebration  of  the  town's  quarto-millennial  birthday,  the 
interest  created  and  success  attained,  were  contributed  to  so  largely  by 
the  organized  efforts  of  the  "  Veteran  Association  "  of  the  town,  and  the 
hearty  co-operation  individually  of  its  members,  that  the  authors  of  this 
work  feel  that  this  association  is  entitled  to, more  than  a  passing  recog- 
nition at  their  hands.  The  labor  of  love  performed  by  its  members, 
covering  a  long  period  of  years,  in  raising  the  funds  necessary  to  erect 
in  the  town  a  suitable  memorial  to  our  soldier  and  sailor  dead,  is  so 
thoroughly  appreciated  by  our  townspeople  as  to  justify  a  digression 
from  the  main  purposes  of  this  book  to  the  extent  of  furnishing  a  brief 
sketch  of  the  work  of  this  organization. 

For  a  number  of  years  previous  to  the  existence  of  the  Stratford 
"Veteran  Association"  as  such,  the  surviving  veterans  of  the  Civil 
War  resident  in  the  town,  as  also,  might  be  added,  the  citizens  gener- 
ally, had  evinced  an  earnest  desire  that  there  should  be  within  the  old 
town  from  whose  borders  had  marched  away  many  brave  soldiers  to 
aid  the  Republic  in  its  days  of  peril,  a  visible  and  substantial  tribute  to 
those  deceased  comrades  to  whom  the  call  to  arms  was  also  a  call  to  lay 
down  their  lives  in  defense  of  the  Union. 

The  means  of  attaining  this  end,  and  what  should  be  the  character 
of  the  memorial,  became  a  general  theme  of  conversation  in  the  village 
until  finally  an  organized  movement  was  set  on  foot  by  the  veterans  to 
accomplish  their  purpose. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  resident  veterans  was  held  at  the  Town 
Hall,  June  4,  1885,  as  the  call  stated,  "  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  a 
permanent  organization  whose  aim  and  object  shall  be  to  cement  the 
bond  of  union  between  the  veterans  of  the  town,  and  to  take  the  initial 
steps  towards  erecting  a  suitable  monument  to  the  memory  of  the 
deceased  soldiers  and  sailors  who  represented  the  town  in  the  rebellion, 
and  for  the  transaction  of  such  other  business  as  may  be  necessary 
and  proper  to  come  before  said  meeting." 


130  stratfokd's  celebration. 

Twenty-seven  veterans  responded  to  this  call,  and  a  permanent 
organization  was  formed.  Edward  L.  Woodin  was  elected  President ; 
William  H.  Curtis,  Vice-President ;  L.  Howard  Eussell,  Secretary,  and 
Asa  S.  Curtis,  Treasurer. 

Soon  after  this  preliminary  meeting  had  been  held  by  the  veterans 
a  public  meeting  of  citizens  was  called  for  the  purpose  of  awakening  a 
more  general  interest  in  the  subject,  and  in  order  to  give  the  townspeople 
an  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  advancement  of  the  project. 

The  meeting  was  held  at  the  Town  Hall,  June  16,  1885,  the  Hon. 
F.  A.  Benjamin  presiding.  After  considerable  discussion  the  meeting 
adjourned  to  July  9,  when  a  Citizens  "Monument  Association"  was 
formed,  the  object  being  to  aid  the  veterans  in  accomplishing  the  result 
which  they  had  at  heart. 

The  plan  adopted  was  to  raise  the  required  sum  by  subscriptions 
in  the  nature  of  membership  fees  for  admission  to  the  Monument  Asso- 
ciation. This  mode  of  raising  money,  while  resulting  in  a  large 
number  of  subscriptions,  did  not  prove  satisfactory  and  was  shortly 
afterwards  abandoned.  From  this  time  on  the  committee  having  the 
matter  in  charge  bent  their  energies  in  the  direction  of  public  entertain- 
ments of  various  kinds,  but,  notwithstanding  the  persistency  of  their 
efforts,  at  the  end  of  the  year  1887  one  hundred  dollars  only  had  been 
realized. 

However,  fortune  was  soon  to  smile  upon  a  worthy  cause.  About 
this  time  Company  K,  of  the  Fourth  Eegt.  C.  N.  G.,  Stratford's  mili- 
tary organization,  moved  from  the  second  story  of  Masonic  Hall,  where 
its  armory  had  previously  been,  to  its  new  quarters  in  the  third  story, 
formerly  occupied  by  the  Masonic  Lodge. 

The  company,  in  furnishing  its  new  armory,  having  exceeded  the 
appropriation  allowed  by  the  State,  a  necessity  arose  in  this  organization 
for  the  raising  of  funds  with  which  to  complete  the  work  on  the  plan 
desired.  Again  was  the  old  proverb,  "  Necessity  is  the  mother  of  in- 
vention," exemplified,  for  out  of  the  joint  needs  of  the  Veteran  Asso- 
ciation and  Company  K  was  born  the  idea  which  was  destined  to  meet 
with  phenomenal  success.  It  was  resolved  that  a  joint  fair  should  be 
held  b}^  the  organizations  named,  and  committees  to  represent  their 
respective  interests  and  arrange  the  details  of  the  matter  were  ap- 
pointed, and  at  once  entered  upon  their  arduous  duties. 

The  joint  committee  consisted  of  Henry  P.  Stagg,  William  E. 
Wheeler,  John  W.  Thompson,  Sylvanus  C.  Dickinson  and  Edgar  Os- 
borne,  from  the  Veteran  Association,  and  Capt.   Eugene  Morehouse, 


STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION.  131 

William  B.  Bristol,  Charles  K.  Stagg,  George  N.  Morehouse  and  C. 
Edwin  Dufour,  from  Company  K.  The  -laches,  ever  ready  in  the  ad- 
vancement of  any  good  work,  were  appealed  to  for  aid,  and  their 
response  was  of  a  character  to  convince  the  most  skeptical  of  their  loy- 
alty and  zeal.  Busy  hands  soon  fashioned  the  intricate  pieces  of 
needlework  without  which  the  ideal  and  popular  fair  would  be  impos- 
sible, and  before  the  day  fixed  upon  for  the  beginning  of  the  fair  had 
arrived  a  bewildering  array  of  articles  of  every  description  were  placed 
at  the  disposal  of  the  committee. 

The  preparatory  work  in  the  different  departments  having  been 
completed,  the  fair  was  finally  opened  April  2,  1888.  Everything 
seemed  to  combine  to  render  the  occasion  an  auspicious  one,  and  those 
on  whose  shoulders  rested  the  responsibility  of  the  undertaking  felt 
that  they  had  been  richly  rewarded  in  the  success  which  had  so  far 
crowned  their  labors. 

Throughout  the  week  of  the  fair,  throngs  of  people  came  and 
went,  and  the  numerous  articles  contributed  found  ready  customers 
when  exhibited  for  sale  within  the  hall  in  which  the  fair  was  in 
progress. 

On  the  first  evening  of  the  fair,  Governor  Lounsbury  and  staff 
attended,  as  did  also  Col.  Watson  and  staff,  of  the  Fourth  Eegiment. 
They  were  received  and  entertained  by  a  committee  appointed  for  the 
purpose,  and  upon  entering  the  hall  in  which  the  fair  was  being  held, 
and  taking  seats  upon  the  platform  temporarily  constructed,  were  wel- 
comed by  Wilfred  M.  Peck,  Principal  of  the  Stratford  Graded  School, 
in  a  short  address.  Gov.  Lounsbury,  Gen.  Pine,  Col.  Watson,  and 
others  of  the  visiting  guests  responded ;  they  were  then  conducted 
around  the  hall  to  the  different  booths,  in  which  all  of  Stratford's 
beauty  was  centred.  The  hall  was  elaborately  but  artistically  deco- 
rated, and,  with  the  gayly  attired  crowds  of  people  passing  to  and  fro, 
presented  an  enlivening  spectacle. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  booths  and  the  names  of  those  in 
charge  of  them : 

BOOTHS. 

GEN.  SEDGWICK.— Manager,  Miss  Sarah  Russell.  Assistants,  Miss  P.  B.  Russell, 
Miss  Helen  U.  Sammis,  Miss  Jennie  Smith,  Miss  E.  M.  Burritt,  Miss  "Winifred 
Todd,  Miss  May  Curtis,  Miss  Georgie  Wilcoxson. 

GEN.  PHIL  KEARNEY.— Manager,  Mrs.  F.  H.  Allen.  Assistants,  Miss  Florence 
Allen,  Miss  Elsie  Powers,  Miss  Edith  Allen,  Miss  Emma  Allen,  Miss  Alice 
Lillingston,  Miss  M.  L.  Wolfe,  Miss  Vinnie  Churchill. 


132  Stratford's  celebration. 

GEN.  SHERIDAN. — Manager,  Miss  Ida  Burritt.  Assistants,  Miss  Bertha  Clark,  Miss 
Alice  Mat  Wilcoxson,  Miss  Carrie  Tibbals.  Miss  Lizzie  Clark,  Miss  Jennie 
Clark,  Mrs.  N.  W.  Farley. 

GEN.  GRANT. — Manager,  Mrs.  Frederick  Lillingston.  Assistants,  Mrs.  L.  B.  Beers, 
Mrs.  F.  B.  Beers,  Mrs.  R.  W.  Curtis,  Miss  Georgie  Thompson,  Miss  Nela  Thomp- 
son, Miss  Florence  A.  Beers,  Miss  Grace  C.  Lillingston. 

GEN.  J.  R.  HAWLEY. — Manager,  Mrs.  C.  G.  Gunther.  Assistants,  Mrs.  C.  A.  Ives,  Miss 
Ella  Jackson,  Miss  Alice  Curtis,  Miss  Susan  C.  Curtis. 

LINCOLN. — Manager,  Mrs.  G.  W.  Fairchild.  Assistants,  Mrs.  Fannie  Peck,  Mrs.  F.  R. 
Sammis,  Miss  Mary  C.  Fairchild,  Miss  Maria  "Wilcox,  Miss  Harriet  Smith,  Miss 
Sadie  Powers,  Miss  Vina  Smith,  Miss  Susan  C.  Wilcoxson. 

GEN.  LOGAN. — Manager,  Miss  Mary  A.  Deyine.  Assistants,  Mrs.  "W.  A.  Stagg,  Miss 
H.  Lena  Lobdell,  Miss  Eleanor  A.  Peck,  Miss  Grace  Blakeman,  Miss  Mary 
Judson,  Miss  Helena  D.  Cowles,  Miss  Jane  Tucker. 

GEN.  GARFIELD. — Manager,  Mrs.  Melville  J.  Curtis.  Assistants,  Mrs.  H.  F.  Meacham, 
Mrs.  A.  B.  Graham,  Mrs.  S.  A.  Patterson,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Beach,  Mrs.  E.  R.  "Wilcox, 
Mrs.  D.  C.  Wood,  Mrs.  "W.  G.  Sturges. 

ELIAS  HOWE,  Jr. — Manager,  Mrs.  S.  C.  Dickinson.  Assistants,  Mrs.  Cornelia  A. 
Tucker,  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Stagg. 

ADMIRAL  FARRAGUT. — Manager,  Mrs.  Lewis  F.  Judson.  Assistants,  Miss  Carrie 
Peck,  Miss  May  Peck,  Miss  Emma  Curtis,  Miss  Alice  Curtis,  Miss  Helen  Coe. 

ADMIRAL  FOOTE.—  Manager,  David  L.  Rhoades.     Assistants,  "The  Cupheag  Club." 

FLORAL  BOOTH. — Miss  Helen  P.  Stagg,  Miss  Ida  Atwood,  Miss  May  Smith,  Miss 
Annie  Osborn,  Miss  Milly  Evans,  Miss  Martha  Blakeman. 

ART  GALLERY. — Mrs.  Calvin  Curtis,  Miss  Amy  Talbot,  Frederick  Lillingston, 
Howard  B.  Moore. 

Connected  with  the  fair  throughout  its  continuance  was  a  refresh- 
ment  department,  presided  over  by  the  following  ladies :  Mrs.  Wilson 
French,  Mrs.  Charles  Blakeslee,  Mrs.  Robert  H.  Russell,  Mrs.  Francis  S. 
Avery,  Mrs.  George  H.  Spall,  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Hubbell. 

In  the  lower  hall,  Capt.  Wilson  French  exhibited  to  the  numerous 
visitors  an  interesting  collection  of  war  relics,  contributed  for  the  occa- 
sion by  citizens  of  the  town. 

When  the  fair  closed  it  was  found  that  the  result  far  exceeded  the 
most  sanguine  expectations.  The  net  proceeds  of  the  fair  amounted  to 
$2,417.82,  of  which  $200.00  went  into  the  treasury  of  Company  K,  and 
the  sum  of  $2,217.82  to  the  Veteran  Association. 

This  sum  was  further  supplemented  in  various  ways  until  the 
necessary  amount  was  finally  secured,  and  the  desire  to  have  within  our 
village  an  enduring  reminder  of  Stratford's  defenders  of  the  republic 
has  been  gratified. 


stratpord's  celebration.  133 

The  monument  selected  by  the  veterans,  and  subsequently  pre- 
sented to  the  town,  is  of  Greek  architecture.  Its  height  is  thirty- 
five  feet  and  five  inches,  and  at  the  base  it  is  eight  feet 
square.  Upon  the  top  of  the  monument  stands  a  figure  repre- 
senting the  color-sergeant  in  defence  of  the  American  flag.  The 
figure  is  six  and  one-half  feet  in  height,  and  it  is  nine  feet  to  the  point 
of  the  flag-staff.  The  base  is  of  rough  ashlar  work,  representing  quarry 
faced  granite.  The  plinth,  or  second  base,  bears  upon  the  front  the  in- 
scription, "  Gettysburg  and  Antietam  ;  "  upon  the  right,  "  Lookout  Moun- 
tain "  and  "  Olustee ;  "  upon  the  back,  "  Chancellorsville  "  and  "  Wilder- 
ness," and  upon  the  left,  "  Fredericksburg  "  and  "  Fort  Wayne." 

The  tablets  are  set  between  Grecian  columns  and  beneath  Grecian 
porticos.  Upon  the  front  is  the  inscription,  "  Dedicated  to  the  memory  of 
those  who  fought  for  liberty  and  saved  the  Union,"  and  beneath  this 
are  the  following  lines : 

"  Yet  loved  ones  have  fallen,  and  still  where  they  sleep 
A  sorrowing  nation  shall  silently  weep, 
And  spring's  brightest  flowers  with  gratitude  strew 
O'er  those  who  once  cherished  the  Red,  White  and  Blue." 

Upon  the  right  tablet  is  the  G.  A.  R  badge,  and  upon  the  left  tab- 
let the  United  States  coat  of  arms.  The  back  tablet  bears  the  inscrip- 
tion, "  Erected  by  the  Stratford  Veteran  Association  and  its  friends, 
October  3,  1889."  Below  this  is  inscribed  the  quotation,  "The  Union 
shall  and  must  be  preserved."  Upon  the  front  die  cap  is  "  1776 ;"  the 
right,  "  1861-5 ;"  the  rear  "  1817,"  and  the  left,  "  1812,"  the  dates  of 
the  Revolutionary,  Civil,  and  Mexican  wars,  and  the  war  of  1812. 
The  raised  tablet  of  the  bottom  shaft  contains  on  the  front  the 
Tenth  Corps  badge ;  the  right,  the  Wilson's  Cavalry  Corps  badge ; 
the  back,  Second  Corps  badge,  and  the  left,  the  Nineteenth  Corps 
badge. 

The  shaft  of  the  monument  bears  upon  the  front  the  infantry  em- 
blem of  crossed  muskets.  Upon  the  right  face  of  the  shaft  is  the  cav- 
alry emblem  of  crossed  sabres ;  upon  the  back  face  is  the  artillery  em- 
blem of  crossed  cannon,  ramrods,  and  upon  the  left,  the  naval 
emblem  representing  a  capstan,  anchor,  and  crossed  capstan  bars. 
These  four  emblems  are  surrounded  by  wreaths  representing  laurel  and 
oak,  and  are  in  bas-relief.  All  of  the  emblems  and  corps  badges  are  in 
relief,  and  the  inscriptions  are  in  bold  raised  letters. 

The  entire  monument  is  cast  from  white  bronze  metal,  its  color 
being  a  light  gray.     It  weighs  about  485  pounds  per  cubic  foot, 


134  Stratford's  celebration. 

The  following  articles  were  deposited  in  a  metal  box  underneath 
the  monument : 

Records  of  the  Cupheag  Club  of  Stratford ;  Records  of  the  Veteran  Association  of 
Stratford ;  Records  of  Pequonnock  Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F.;  Records  of  St.  John's  Lodge,  F.  & 
A.  M.;  Records  of  Christ  Church,  Stratford;  Records  of  M.  E.  Church,  Stratford;  Records 
of  Congregational  Church,  Stratford;  Records  of  Stratford  Library;  Records  of  Co.  K, 
4th  Reg't  C.  N.  G.;  New  York  "World,"  containing  an  account  of  New  York  Centennial ; 
Photographic  views  of  Stratford;  Newspapers  of  the  day;  Historical  Address,  by  Joel  S. 
Ives;  Conn.  Register  and  Manual,  1889;  Orcutt's  History  of  Stratford;  Set  of  Silver 
Proof  Coins  from  United  States  Mint. 

To  whom  the  credit  for  the  success  of  the  fair  belongs  is  best  told 
in  the  resolutions  subsequently  adopted  by  the  Veteran  Association : 

Whereas,  The  Veteran  Association  of  Stratford  have  completed  and  dedicated  an  ele- 
gant monument  to  the  memory  of  their  comrades  who  gave  their  lives  that  our  country 
and  nation  might  be  perpetuated  as  one  country  with  one  flag  and  one  destiny;  it  is 
hereby 

Resolved,  That  we  return  our  hearty  thanks  to  those  who  so  generously  and  heartily 
aided  us  in  our  great  fair. 

First.  To  the  officers  and  men  of  Co.  K,  4th  Reg't  C.  N.  G.,  who  first  proposed  the 
fair  and  then  so  generously  and  willingly  aided  to  carry  it  to  a  successful  culmination. 

Second.  To  the  citizens  of  other  towns  who  sympathized  with  and  aided  us  by  their 
donations  of  articles  of  value  for  the  fair,  enhancing  its  attractions  in  a  large  degree,  and 
whose  presence  with  open  purse-strings  was  a  substantial  factor  in  the  final  success  of 
this  long  to  be  remembered  scheme. 

Third.  To  the  citizens  of  this  town  who  so  generally  aided  us  in  our  patriotic  en- 
deavors to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  our  departed  heroes,  and  whose  partial  reward  comes 
when  they  point  with  pride  to  the  noble  shaft  which  now  adorns  "  Monument  Hill" —  a 
lasting  memorial  to  the  memory  of  those  brave  men  who  sacrificed  their  lives  for  their 
country  and  liberty — the  exceptions  to  the  honored  list  of  donors  being  so  few  that  thry 
only  appear  the  more  conspicuous. 

"The  fittest  place  for  man  to  die  is  where  he  dies  for  man." 

The  location,  and  kind  of  monument  to  be  erected,  was  finally  de- 
cided upon  at  a  meeting  of  the  Veteran  Association  held  at  the  Town 
Hall,  April  19,  1889,  when  it  was  unanimously  voted  that  it  be  built  of 
white  bronze  by  the  Monumental  Bronze  Company  of  Bridgeport,  Conn., 
and  located  upon  "  Academy  Hill." 

The  entire  cost  of  the  monument  and  the  labor  involved  in  prepar- 
ing its  site  was  $3,700,  a  considerable  portion  of  the  work  of  rendering 
the  ground  suitable  for  its  reception  having  been  gratuitously  performed 
by  the  willing  hands  of  members  of  the  Association. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  volunteers  in  the  War  of  the 
Eebellion  whose  remains  are  buried  in  the  Union  and  Putney  Cem- 
eteries in  Stratford : 


Stratford's  celebration.  135 

Abbott,  Woolsey Co.  I,  6th  Conn.  Vols. 

Austin,  William  M Surgeon,  U.  S.  A. 

Andrews,  John  M Co.  M,  1st  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Brooks,  Benjamin 23d  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Booth,  John  R Co.  D,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Burton,  Henry Co.  C,  27th  Conn.  Vols. 

Burton,  Frank  P Co.  D,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Beardsley,  Isaac Co.  D,  2d  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Blakeslee,  Henry  M , Co.  I,  6th  Conn.  Vols. 

Clinton,  Dewitt  F Co.  B,  1st  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Curtis,  William  H Co.  C,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Curtis,  Francis  R Co.  A,  14th  Conn.  Vols. 

Curtis,  Hanford Co.  A,  14th  Conn.  Vols. 

Curtis,  Benjamin Co.  A,  14th  Conn.  Vols. 

Cozier,  Edward Co.  A,  4th  U.  S.  A. 

Crofut,  Stephen  C Co.  D,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Dibble,  Everett  B U.  S.  N. 

Dibble,  Elliott  B 2d  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Dart,  Anson  W 2d  Light  Battery. 

Euerle,  George  M Co.  I,  23d  Conn.  Vols. 

Emery,  N.  M Co.  A,  9th  Conn.  Vols. 

Hine,  Charles  R Co.  A,  1st  Conn.  Cav. 

Johnson,  Charles  A Co.  K,  2d  Heavy  Art. 

Judson,  Frederick  M Co.  C,  12th  Conn.  Vols. 

Lewis,  Charles  B Co.  D,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Lewis,  Curtis Co.  H,  7th  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Peck,  Robert  C Co.  I,  6th  Conn.  Vols. 

Peck,  James  A 2d  Light  Battery. 

Peck,  Lewis Co.  I,  133d  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Powers,  Almon  D Co.  I,  6th  Conn.  Vols. 

Quire,  Henry  T..  .Co.  A, 15th  N.Y.  Heavy  Art.  and  11th  Vet.  Res.  Corps. 

Riggs,  Jonathan 1st  Light  Battery. 

Roberts,  Henry 2d  Light  Battery. 

Russell,  A.  Benjamin U.  S.  N. 

Slawson,  David  A Co.  K,  9th  Conn.  Vols. 

Stratton,  Frederick Co.  G,  20th  Conn.  Vols. 

Wolfe,  Peter Co.  B,  1st  Conn.  Vols. 

Weitzel,  Wilbur  A Co.  I,  33d  N.  J.  Vols. 

Wheeler,  John  L Co.  D,  2d  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Veterans  of  the  War  of  the  Kebellion,  1861-1865,  resident  in 
Stratford  at  the  time  of  the  erection  of  the  monument  and  belonging  to 
the  Veteran  Association  or  otherwise  : 

Beardsley,  John  B Co.  M,  1st  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Blakeman,  J.  Henry Co.  D,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Blakeman,  Selah  G Co.  D,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Bunnell,  Rufus  W Co.  I,  23d  Conn.  Vols. 

Baldwin,  William  A Co.  B,  20th  Conn.  Vols. 


136  stratford's  celebration. 

Clark,  Charles  H Co.  D,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Cozier,  Burr  W 2d  Light  Battery. 

Cook,  Thomas  W Co.  G,  10th  CoDn.  "Vols. 

Curtis,  Charles  E Co.  M,  1st  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Curtis,  Asa  S Fife  Major,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Daniels,  Edward  B Co.  D,  12th  Conn.  Vols. 

Dickinson,  Sylvanus  C 1st  Light  Battery. 

French,  Wilson  Co.  G,  17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Freeman,  Edward  (colored)  Co.  I,  29th  Conn.  Vols. 

Furnald,  George  L Co.  H,  30th  N.  J.  Vols. 

Gilbert,  Charles  E Co.  H,  2d  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Gray,  Alonzo Co.  C,  2d  Conn.  Vols. 

Hine,  George  A Co.  A,  2d  Conn.  Heavy  Art. 

Hine,  George  S Co.  F,  27th  Conn.  Vols. 

Hopkins,  Peter Co.  K,  11th  N.  J.  Vols. 

Hubbell,  James  S Co.  D,  23d  Conn.  Vols. 

Johnson,  Matthew  (colored) Co.  K,  29th  Ills.  Vols. 

Middlebrook,  Nathan  B 2d  Light  Battery. 

Moore,  James Co.  G,  6th  Conn.  Vols.. 

Noble,  Ebenezer , Co.  I,  47th  N.  J.  Vols. 

Osborne,  Edgar Co.  K,  15th  Mich.  Vols. 

Purdy,  George  H Co.  A,  29th  Conn.  Vols. 

Plumb,  Frederick  W Co.  I,  33d  Wis.  Vols. 

Richardson,  George  A Co.  C,  28th  Conn.  Vols. 

Roberts,  Charles  F 2d  Light  Battery. 

^Russell,  Lewis  H Co.  B,  7th  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Sanger,  Darius  R Co.  T,  27th  Mass.  Vols. 

Selleck,  John  H Co.  A,  3d  Conn.  Vols. 

Spall,  George  H 2d  Light  Battery. 

Sprague,  Orville Co.  I,  8th  Conn.  Vols. 

Stagg,  Henry  P Co.  A,  7th  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Singleton.  Wm.  F.  (colored) Co.  B,  3 1st  Conn.  Vols. 

Stephens,  Henry  G 31st  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Thomas,  Julius  E Co.  F,  4th  Tenn.  Vols. 

Thompson,  John  W Co.  E,  48th  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Wheeler,  William  E Co.  F,  1st  Conn.  Cav. 

White.  Boston  (colored) Co.  I,  29th  Conn.  Vols. 

White,  Chas.  H.  (colored) Co  K,  29th  Conn.  Vols. 

Williams,  John  L.  (colored) Co.  H,  29th  Conn.  Vols. 

Wilcoxson,  William  B 2d  Light  Battery. 

Total 45 

The  officers  of  the  Veteran  Association  at  the  time  of  the  dedi- 
cation of  the  monument  were  H.  P.  Stagg,  President;  William  E. 
Wheeler,  Secretary,  and  Asa  S.  Curtis,  Treasurer. 

Since  the  erection  of  the  monument  the  Veteran  Association  and 
the  community  at  large  have  suffered  a  loss  in  the  deaths  of  William  E. 
Wheeler  and  Capt  William  Barrymore.     Both  were  earnest  workers  in 


Stratford's  celebration.  137 

carrying  out  the  plans  to  secure  a  memorial  to  their  deceased  comrades, 
and  greatly  assisted  in  making  the  celebration  a  success. 

Capt.  Barrymore  rendered  conspicuous  aid  to  his  country  during 
the  dark  days  of  the  war  while  in  the  naval  service  of  the  Government, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  decease  was  a  member  of  U.  S.  Grant  Post, 
No.  327,  of  Brooklyn,  K  Y. 

One  by  one  the  surviving  veterans  of  that  great  conflict  for  princi- 
ple and  good  government  are  dropping  in  life's  arena,  and  year  by  year 
some  are  summoned  from  Stratford  to  answer  the  last  roll-call. 

But  though  they  pass  away,  causing,  as  they  sink,  scarcely  a  ripple 
on  the  ocean  of  humanity,  their  privations  endured  and  sacrifices  made 
will  leave  a  lasting  impression. 

On  the  shafts  erected  in  their  honor  by  the  hands  of  their  surviv- 
ing comrades  shall  be  recorded  the  valor  of  our  citizen  soldiery,  who 
fought  that  the  integrity  of  the  Union  might  be  maintained,  and  their 
memory  shall  be  perpetuated  in  the  patriotic  impulses  of  each  succeeding 
generation. 


138  Stratford's  celebration. 


TREASURER'S    REPORT. 


RECEIPTS. 


Amount  received  from  Town,  ....     $1,000  00 

"  "         from  Subscription  Committee,  652  00 

$1,652  00 

EXPENDITURES. 

Printing  and  Invitations, 

Wheeler  and  Wilson  Band,     .... 

Fire  Works, 

Decorations,      -  - 

Arch, 

Salutes,  --.... 

Bureau  of  Information, 

Subscription  Committee's  Expenses, 

Press  Representatives,  Entertainment  of 

Grand  Stand,  and  Tables,        .... 

Collation,  ...... 

Tableaux,        ..... 

Loan  Exhibition,  - 

Historical  Places,  Marking  of 

Reception  Committee,         ....  - 

Police  Sign, 

Horse  Hire,  ...... 

J.  J.  McGakay,  repairs  to  wagon  injured, 
Appropriation  to  Hook  and  Ladder  Co., 

Balance  on  hand, 

$1,652  00 


$147 

70 

121 

60 

354  50 

187 

72 

25 

00 

71  55 

3 

00 

9 

61 

41 

50 

85 

00 

239 

19 

114  28 

78 

03 

12 

00 

73  00 

1 

00 

15 

00 

6 

50 

10 

00 

$1,596 

18 

55 

82 

GEORGE    H.  SPALL, 

Treasurer, 


Stratford's  celebration,  139 


PRESS    NOTICES. 


"Hartford  Courant"  Editorial,  October  4,  1889. 

"Hartford  congratulates  Stratford  on  her  very  fitting,  enthusiastic  and  successful 
celebration  of  her  250th  birthday,  and  wishes  her  many  happy  returns.  All  the  old  towns 
of  this  good  old  Land  of  Steady  Habits  are  so  fortunate  in  their  public  history  and  family 
traditions  that  there  should  be  no  petty  jealousies  and  rivalries,— only  for  a  generous  rivalry 
in  gbod  works,  of  which  sucb  a  commemoration  as  Stratford  engaged  in  yesterday  is  by  no 
means  the  least.  It  is  pleasant  to  think  of  the  eager  interest  with  which  the  accounts  of  it 
will  be  read  in  distant  States  by  men  and  women  of  Stratford  stock  who  have  yet  to  make 
their  first  pious  pilgrimage  to  the  ancient  home  of  their  fathers." 

Extracts  from  News  Column  of  "  Hartford  Courant,"  of  October  4,  1S89. 

It  was  a  Boston  Herald  editorial  writer  thafe  thought  that  the  people  were  getting  tired 
o£  celebrating  anniversaries.  If  that  gentleman  had  had  occasion  to  take  a  train  from  New 
York  to  Bridgeport  at  almost  anv  hour  yesterday  a  single  glance  out  the  window  as  the 
train  passed  Stratford  would  have  made  him  see  the  necessity  of  revising  that  opinion.  If 
he  had  gone  so  far  as  to  have  stopped  over  an  hour  in  the  charming  old  town,  he  would 
not  only  have  been  glad  to  retract  his  hasty  generalization,  but  would  probably  have  been 
anxious  to  put  himself  on  record  as  one  impressed  with  the  sincerity  and  enthusiasm  with 
which  old  New  England  is  ever  ready  proudly  to  recall  her  noble  past. 

The  fickle  skies  put  on  their  brightest  smiles  Thursday  and  the  clear  cool  October  day 
was  in  itself  an  assurance  of  a  successful  celebration.  Crowds  poured  in  all  the  morning 
from  Bridgeport  and  New  Haven  and  the  intervening  towns,  and  late  afternoon  still  saw 
the  trains  loade.d.  Hundreds  were  coming  and  going  at  all  hours  and  an  estimate  of  the 
shifting  crowds  is  very  difficult.  Eight  thousand  were  probably  on  Stratford's  streets  when 
the  parade  was  passing,  and  first  and  last  many  more  must  have  counted  themselves  among 
the  day's  visitors.  All  the  wav  through  the  day  was  a  success.  The  procession  was  long 
and  interesting,  the  dedication'  of  the  graceful  shaft  on  Academy  Hill  was  impressive  and 
the  address  inspiring,  the  guests  and  visiting  organizations  were  bountifully  provided  for, 
the  afternoon's  civic  celebrations  brought  out  good  speeches  and  an  interested  audience, 
and  ingenious  tableaux  and  elaborate  fireworks  wound  up  the  big  jubilee. 

The  loan  exhibition  in  the  Town  Hall  would  have  set  a  relic  hunter  wild.  It  seemed  as 
if  everything  was  there  that  was  ever  used  in  olden  times  for  household  furniture  or  per- 
sonal attire.  The  catalogue  numbered  535  of  them  and  there  were  hundreds  of  others 
unnumbered.     The  hall  was  packed  with  visitors. 

The  marking  of  various  historical  sites  by  small  signs  or  tablets  was  a  very  thoughtful 
and  helpful  device.  One  ran  up  against  them  everywhere  and  learned  a  deal  of  interesting 
history  in  a  very  simple  way. 

The  treatment  of  the  press  representatives  was  most  courteous  and  generous,  ine  com- 
mittee did  everything  possible  for  their  convenience. 

The  volunteer  fire  companies  made  a  very  pretty  feature  of  the  parade.  Ihe  Cupneag 
Club,  dressed  and  painted  as  Indians  and  mounted  on  ponies,  added  a  "Wild  West     flavor. 

"Neio  YorJc  Times "  Editorial,  October  3,  1889. 

Stratford,  in  Connecticut,  celebrates  to-day  the  notable  fact  that  she  has  arrived  at  the 
mature  age  of  a  quarter  of  a  thousand  years.     What  with  her  streets  bedecked  with 


140  stratford's  celebration. 

bunting  and  strung  with  gay-colored  lanterns,  tableaux  in  her  most  ancient  houses  and 
elsewhere,  depicting  life  in  the  good  old  colony  times,  and  scenery  and  Indian  paraphernalia 
which  will  recall  perilous  days  in  the  infancy  of  the  town  as  well  as  the  proud  memories  of 
Washington's  visit,  there  will  no  doubt  be  great  enjoyment,  wind  and  weather  permitting. 
Stratford,  Guilford,  Milford,  and  Madison  are  all  Connecticut  towns  that  were  founded  in  the 
year  1639,  and  four  Massachusetts  towns  have  also  been  rejoicing  lately  in  their  two  hundred 
and  fiftieth  anniversaries,  so  that  the  present  year  is  quite  rich  in  historical  reminiscences 
for  the  southern  part  of  New  England.  In  those  days  Connecticut  was  in  the  wilderness, 
and  was  spoken  of  in  Boston  as  "out  west."  Although  the  Dutch  claimed  the  territory 
between  the  Hudson  and  the  Connecticut,  enterprising  English  pioneers  pushed  into  the 
valley  of  the  latter  river  and  along  the  coast  of  Long  Island  Sound.  If  Stratford  has 
carefully  refrained  from  setting  the  Housatonic  River  on  fire,  she  has  yet  done  her  full 
share  among  our  more  venerable  towns  for  the  glory  and  good  of  the  country,  and  merits 
an  enjoyable  celebration  of  her  birthday. 

"New  Haven  Palladium"  Editorial,  October  4,  1889. 

Stratford  has  had  a  brilliant  demonstration  in  token  of  her  vivid  recollection  of  the 
settlement  of  that  choice  old  town  250  years  ago.  It  brought  out  its  orators  and  its 
relics;  and  it  almost  makes  one  able  to  see  clear  back  through  this  long  vista  of  years 
when  one  reads  of  how  they  brought  to  light  such  mementoes  of  the  past  as  a  carving 
knife  imported  in  the  Mayflower,  the  key  of  the  first  church  in  Stratford  (1640),  an  oaken 
sideboard  made  in  England  and  brought  to  Stratford  in  1640,  a  specimen  of  the  first 
engraving  done  in  America,  by  Paul  Revere,  who  certainly  carved  his  name  and  fame 
deep  into  history ;  the  seat  to  the  first  wagon  used  in  Stratford  in  1650,  showing  that  they 
walked  several  years  before  they  began  to  ride;  the  table  at  which  Washington  ate  wheo 
he  visited  Stratford  in  1777,  besides  many  other  weird  and  interesting  objects  of  tender 
memory. 

"Hartford  Post"  Editorial,  October  4,  1889. 

The  town  of  Stratford  is  the  last  of  the  Connecticut  towns  to  celebrate  a  250th 
anniversary  this  year.  This  it  did  yesterday,  and  there  was  a  gathering  of  people  of  the 
old  town  that  was  notable  for  its  size,  and  for  the  inspiration  which  prevailed.  Although 
not  so  deeply  connected  with  the  religious  life  of  the  StHte  as  it  was  the  fortune  of  Guilford 
to  be,  Stratford  has  always  borne  the  honor  of  being  one  of  the  "  staid  old  towns  "  of  the 
State.  And  this  is  honor  enough.  It  is  from  such  towns  as  this  that  the  little  common- 
wealth has  gathered  much  of  its  inspiration  and  its  peaceful,  industrious  nature. 

"  Bridgeport  Standard "  Editorial,  October  3,  1889. 
HONOR   TO   OLD   STRATFORD. 

The  celebration  which  is  taking  place  in  Stratford  to-day  marks  an  era  in  its  history  to 
which  few  towns  in  this  country  have  attained,  and  stamps  its  venerable  qualities  with 
the  sign  of  a  proper  recognition.  Bridgeport,  as  one  of  the  later  children  of  this  old  town, 
has  a°legitimate  interest  in  the  celebration,  and  in  all  of  the  historic  events  which  it  com- 
memorates, and  it  is  therefore  especially  appropriate  that  one  of  Bridgeport's  honored  sons, 
by  adoption,  a  native  of  Stratford,  should  deliver  the  oration  which  most  particularly 
rehearses  the  motive  and  significance  of  the  occasion.  The  oration  of  the  Hon.  Curtis 
Thompson,  which  will  be  found  elsewhere,  together  with  the  other  excellent  literary  and 
miscellaneous  exercises,  constitute  a  most  admirable  memorial  of  the  occasion,  and  are 
worthy  of  the  good  name  of  the  good  old  town,  which  has  seldom  failed  when  called  upon 
in  any  worthy  cause  during  its  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  of  life.  The  hospitality  of  its 
citizens  has  become  proverbial,  and  their  very  best  endeavor  to-day  has  been  seconded  by 
delegations  from  many  other  sections  of  the  State,  and  the  celebration,  as  a  whole,  has  been 
eminently  successful  and  satisfactory.  All  honor  to  old  Stratford,  all  honor  to  her  patriotic 
citizens  who  appreciate  her  wealth  of  years  and  worth  of  historic  endowment ;  and  the 
sons  who  have  gone  out  from  her  in  the  past,  but  who  tc-day  return  to  do  her  reverence, 
may  well  feel  a  thrill  of  pride  in  her  green  and  honorable  old  age,  and  in  the  respect  which 
it  inspires.     The  proximity  of  Bridgeport  makes  it  probable  that  when  the  two  hundred 


Stratford's  celebration.  141 

and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  that  city  shall  be  celebrated,  the  old  town  of  Stratford  may  . 
occupy  a  portion  of  the  corporate  limits,  but  her  distinctive  character  can  never  be  entirely 
lost,  and  her  superior  age  and  historic  associations  must  always  keep  her  apart,  in  a  sense, 
from  the  more  modern  developments,  however  much  she  may  be  surrounded  by  them. 
Trumbull,  Huntington  and  Monroe  have,  together  with  Bridgeport,  reason  to  feel  pride  in 
the  honored  old  age  of  their  venerable  mother;  and  when  in  the  future  they,  too,  may  be 
absorbed  in  the  ever-extending  limits  of  our  lusty  young  city,  the  old  boundaries  out  of 
which  they  all  originally  sprung  will  be  restored,  and  "Old  Stratford"  will  be  herself 
again,  under  such  changed  conditions  as  all  things  municipal  and  mundane  are  subject  to 
on  this  continent,  in  the  passing  of  the  centuries. 

Extracts  from  "  Bridgeport  Standard,"  October  3,  1889,  News  Column. 

Stratford  is  in  its  glory  to-day.  It  enters  the  second  half  of  its  third  century  of  exist- 
ence, and  a  vast  company,  perfect  weather,  and  all  other  conditions  needed  for  a  successful 
celebration,  combine  to  make  this  day  very  auspicious.  The  sun  was  greeted  at  its  rising  with 
a  salute  of  forty-two  guns  from  Academy  Hill,  and  the  ringing  of  all  the  village  church  bells, 
and  its  rays  fell  upon  houses  gaily  decorated  with  bunting,  and  every  dwelling  a  century  or 
more  old  placarded  with  the  figures  of  the  year  in  which  it  is  supposed  to  have  been  built. 
The  scene,  for  beauty,  with  the  aged  elms  still  retaining  their  summer's  foliage,  was  never 

Incoming  trains  brought  crowds  of  sightseers  who  swelled  the  throng  to  immense  pro- 
portions. Chief  of  Staff  Eugene  Morehouse  was  early  on  duty,  and  as  fast  as  the  organiza- 
tions arrived  they  were  assigned  to  proper  places  in  line.  The  blare  of  brass  bands,  the 
flying  flags  and  the  shining  uniforms  of  the  military  just  set  the  old  town  crazy  with 
exuberance.  The  oldest  inhabitant  is  now  content  to  go  to  his  grave  possessing  the  knowl- 
edge that  he  has  witnessed  the  supreme  moment  in  the  history  of  the  town.  As  fast  as 
the  honored  guests  began  to  arrive  they  were  taken  in  charge  by  the  reception  committee 
and  conducted  to  Mr.  David  P.  Rhoades'  residence,  which  was  superbly  decorated  with 
flags,  bunting,  emblems,  and  Chinese  lanterns.  Mr.  Rhoades  stood  at  the  gate  and  per- 
sonally received  each  guest.  The  department  officers  of  the  G-.  A.  R.,  the  orator  of  the 
day,  and  other  distinguished  guests  were  dined  by  Mr.  Rhoades  at  one  o'clock. 

THE  DECORATIONS. 

Most  of  the  houses  along  the  line  of  march  are  decorated,  and  all  the  stores  and  public 
buildings.  Much  of  this  work  was  done  by  decorating  companies,  but  private  families 
have  displayed  a  good  deal  of  taste  and  ingenuity  in  adorning  their  own  residences.  It 
would  be  impossible  to  decide  which  was  the  handsomest  among  so  many,  but  some 
attracted  more  comment  than  others,  and  were  frequently  cheered  by  the  parade. 

The  High  School,  the  Congregational  Church,  Cupheag  Club  House,  and  the  Leavitt 
residence,  corner  of  Main  Street  and  Stratford  Avenue,  displayed  a  great  variety  of  colors 
and  designs.  Sheriff  Clarkson  made  a  fine  display  of  flags  and  bunting.  Dr.  Cogswell 
had  a  neat  design.  Henry  F.  Meachen  showed  some  curios  among  the  decorations  of 
Riverview.  Capt.  Barrymore's,  one  of  the  oldest  houses  in  town,  was  nearly  hidden  in 
flags,  which  represented  all  the  colors  used  in  the  U.  S.  navy.  F.  C.  Beach  was  arti>tic  in 
his  display.  The  old  Pendleton  House  on  Elm  Street  looked  very  modest  and  retiring 
behind  immense  flags  and  streamers.  The  Curtis  residence,  recently  purchased  of  the 
Austin  heirs,  showed  a  wealth  of  decorations.  Asa  S.  Curtis  was  as  pronounced  in  decora- 
tion as  in  principles,  and  his  house,  overlooking  the  hill,  was  very  beautiful.  The  handsome 
De  "Witt  place  made  an  elaborate  display.  The  Fairchild  and  Dunbar  residences  showed 
the  greatest  number  and  variety  of  flags.  All  the  nations  and  more,  too,  were  represented. 
On  upper  Main  Street  the  decorations  were  exceedingly  handsome,  and  Paradise  Green 
looked  like  paradise  indeed.  King  Street  was  simply  a  mass  of  flajrs  and  streamers.  The 
residences  of  Messrs.  Ezra  Whiting,  Calvin  Curtis,  Stiles  Hurd,  Edgar  Osborne,  Charles 
Blakeslee  and  others  were  in  becoming  attire,  and  flags  fluttered  everywhere.  Broad  Street 
was  in  holiday  garb  and  ihe  dressing  rich  and  beautiful,  and  people  stopped  to  admire  the 
residences  of  Postmaster  G.  H.  Spall  and  Thomas  B.  Fairchild.  The  Housatonic  Club 
House  and  the  shipping  in  the  harbor  were  covered  with  flags  and  bunting. 

Carriages  full  of  people  thronged  the  side  streets,  and  cheered  on  the  veterans  and 
firemen  as  they  passed  to  their  positions  in  line. 

About  11  o'clock  the  parade  started  with  Grand  Marshal  S.  G.  Blakeman  in  command. 


142  stratford's  celebration. 

.The  Fourth  Regiment,  under  Ool.  T.  L.  Watson,  headed  by  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Band,  led 
the  procession  in  fine  form,  Company  K,  of  Stratford,  getting  a  large  share  of  applause  from 
their  numerous  friends.  The  carriages  containing  the  invited  guests  came  next.  The  first 
carriage  was  occupied  by  Stiles  Judson,  Jr.,  President  of  the  Day,  and  Lieut.  Governor  Mer- 
win.  Governor  Bulkeley  was  unable  to  be  present,  as  he  is  taking  a  trip  to  Canada  with  the 
First  Regiment.  The  division  of  Grand  Army  veterans,  headed  by  the  G.  A.  R.  Band  of  this 
city,  came  in  for  a  large  share  of  attention.  Their  trappings  were  not  gaudy,  but  as  men 
gazed  into  the  faces  of  veterans  who  had  fought  for  their  country,  their  hats  were  raised  in 
admiration  and  respect.  The  Grand  Army  boys  were  in  fact  the  heroes  of  the  occasion,  and 
Post  Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  of  this  city,  turned  out  in  larger  numbers  than  any  other  in  line.  The 
firemen  with  their  numerous  drum  corps  made  a  good  showing.  A  prominent  feature  of  the 
parade  was  the  appearance  of  the  famous  Cupheag  Club  of  Stratford,  the  members  of  which 
were  dressed  as  Indians  and  mounted  on  ponies.  A  large  wigwam  on  wheels  was  a  part  of 
the  club's  outfit. 

The  Loan  Exhibition  of  old  and  rare  objects,  which  has  been  collected  by  the  committee 
having  charge  of  that  part  of  the  programme,  has  proven  an  exceedingly  interesting  feature 
of  the  day.  The  collection  is  very  large,  and  contains  articles  of  great  value  and  of  rare  his- 
toric interest.  One  of  the  most  suggestive  articles  exhibited  is  a  plough  loaned  by  Free- 
man L.  Curtis,  such  as  the  farmers  used  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago.  Its  hewn  beam 
and  wooden  share  are  in  strong  contrast  to  the  polished  steel  articles  of  the  present  day. 
Mr.  Gunther  loaned  a  flag  of  the  original  pattern,  containing  thirteen  stars.  A  number  of 
articles  are  shown  here  that  were  brought  from  England,  and  carefully  preserved  as  heir- 
looms, or  accidentally  discovered  and  reclaimed  by  relic  hunters.  One  such  is  a  court  cup- 
board of  solid  English  oak,  brought  from  England  in  the  ship  Francis,  in  1640.  Another 
sideboard  of  solid  English  oak,  owned  by  Mrs.  David  P.  Judson,  was  brought  over  in  1639 
by  the  first  Judson  who  came  to  Stratford. 

From  the  Johnson  homestead  is  shown  a  wedding  slipper  worn  by  Mrs.  Samuel  John- 
son in  1726,  a  hand-made  screen,  worked  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago,  and  an  old  pair  of 
spectacles.  Near  by  are  the  holster  pistols  and  spurs  of  Col.  Ephraim  Wilcoxson,  a  table- 
cloth one  hundred  and  fifty  years  old,  belonging  to  Mrs.  Orville  Curtis,  a  piano  one  hundred 
years  old,  the  property  of  William  Strong,  candle  moulds,  and  an  old  pillion. 

The  table  at  which  Washington  ate  while  stopping  at  Benjamin's  Tavern,  and  General 
Montgomery's  mustard  dish,  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  old.  loaned  by  Wilfred  M.  Peck, 
are  interesting  objects. 

From  Bridgeport  "  Morning  News,"  October  4,  1889. 

Stratford  did  herself  proud  yesterday.  The  long  waited  for  day  of  the  celebration  of 
the  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  settlement  of  the  town  has  come  and  gone, 
and  the  residents  need  well  feel  proud  of  the  manner  in  which  the  quarto-millennial  cele- 
bration was  carried  out.  Nor  is  this  all.  On  a  beautiful  green  spot,  on  the  crest  of  Acad- 
emy Hill,  stands  a  handsome  monument,  a  tribute  to  the  fallen  brave. 

The  day  opened  with  every  indication  that  it  would  be  a  pleasant  one,  and  this  lifted  a 
great  load  from  the  shoulders  of  the  good  people  in  that  vicinity.  At  sunrise  there  was  a 
salute  of  forty-two  guns,  followed  by  the  ringing  of  church  bells.  This  ushered  in  the  line 
of  exercises,  which  continued  all  day,  ending  with  the  beautiful  tableaux  and  display  of 
fireworks  in  the  evening. 

The  whole  town  was  a  veritable  bazaar  of  red,  white,  and  blue  bunting,  flags,  and  Ja- 
panese lanterns.  On  each  incoming  train  were  hundreds  of  passengers  to  swell  the  number 
of  those  already  in  town,  and  those  who  had  driven  in  by  all  manner  of  conveyances. 

The  parade  moved  at  11  o'clock,  a.  m.,  in  the  order,  and  composed  of  the  companies 
and  divisions,  previously  printed  in  the  News.  All  along  the  line  of  march  the  procession 
was  greeted  with  cheers,  and  remarks  of  applause  were  heard  on  all  sides. 

After  the  parade  the  unveiling  and  dedicatory  exercises  at  the  monument  were  carried 
out.  Drawn  up  on  either  side  of  the  monument  were  the  veterans,  in  honor  of  whose  fallen 
comrades  the  beautiful  emblem  has  been  erected.  After  a  selection  by  the  Wheeler  &  Wil- 
son Band,  and  a  prayer  by  Rev.  Joel  S.  Ives,  the  flag  which  had  veiled  the  monument  was 
drawn  away,  and  amid  the  cheers  of  the  assembled  thousands  the  tribute  erected  iu  com- 
memoration of  the  deeds  of  a  nation's  fallen  soldiers  stood  out  clear  and  distinct  against  the 
blue  sky.  Misses  Georgia  Thompson  and  Mamie  Wilcoxson,  becomingly  arrayed  in  red, 
white,  and  blue,  drew  the  rope  which  gave  the  view  of  the  monument. 


Stratford's  celebration.  143 

Mr.  H.  P.  Stagg,  on  behalf  of  the  veterans,  presented  it  to  the  town,  and  Stiles  Judson, 
Jr.,  President  of  the  Day,  in  a  few  well  chosen  remarks,  made  the  speech  of  acceptance.  The 
dedicatory  exercises  were  under  the  direction  of  "William  H.  Pierpont,  of  New  Haven,  Com- 
mander of  the  Department  of  Connecticut,  G.  A.  R.,  and  were  according  to  the  rules  of  that 

order.  ,         , 

Rev.  I.  M.  Foster,  of  New  York,  followed  with  an  address.  Intensely  pathetic  at  times, 
he  awakened  many  memories  in  the  minds  of  the  veterans  ranged  near  the  platform  from 
which  he  was  speaking.  Ever  and  anon  some  witty  remark  from  the  speaker,  and  the 
silence  which  prevailed  while  he  was  speaking,  would  be  broken  by  applause. 

After  singing  "America,"  the  companies  adjourned  to  the  tents  erected  near  by,  where 
a  collation  was  served.  ,     .  . 

At  6.30  o'clock  the  evening  celebration  began.  By  this  time  thousands  of  visitors  had 
arrived,  and  the  concert  by  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Band  was  listened  to  by  a  vast  assem- 
blage of  spectators.  The  concert  was  followed  by  a  number  of  tableaux,  which  were  a  most 
pleasing  part  of  the  day  and  evening  programme.  They  were  intended  to  represent  inci- 
dents which  actually  took  place  during  the  early  years  of  the  settlement  of  the  town  They 
were  given  on  Academy  Hill.  The  lights  were  nicely  arranged,  and  everything  passed  off 
evenly,  and  so  as  to  reflect  much  credit  on  the  committee  in  charge  of  this  part  of  the  exer- 
cises. Perhaps  the  most  elaborate  was  the  one  representing  Glorianna  Folsom's  wedding, 
in  which  a  number  of  Stratford  young  ladies,  attired  in  very  becoming  though  old-fashioned 
dresses,  danced  the  minuet.  The  remainder,  representing  the  coming  of  the  settlers;  trading 
with  the  Indians;  crossing  the  ferry;  trial  of  the  witch;  "Washington  and  Lafayette;  going 
to  church,  and  the  wolf  hunt,  were  nicely  arranged,  and  gave  evidence  of  a  great  amount  of 
research  and  preparation.  Many  of  the  articles  used  in  the  mimic  representation  of  the 
scenes  had  figured  before  in  the  actual  events. 

The  exhibition  of  relics  at  the  Town  Hall  was  a  very  elaborate  one,  and  credit  is  due 
to  the  managers  of  this  display  for  the  careful  manner  in  which  all  the  curios  were  marked 
and  placed  so  as  to  show  to  the  best  advantage.  There  were  nearly  600  exhibits,  furnished 
by  about  100  contributors,  and  the  display  elicited  hearty  commendation. 

The  national  colors  were  displayed  everywhere  in  Stratford  yesterday.  Even  the  dogs 
wore  blankets  of  red,  white  and  blue. 

The  display  of  fireworks  last  evening  at  Academy  Hill  was  very  elaborate,  and  was 
witnessed  by  thousands,  who  showed  their  enthusiasm  in  various  ways.  Previous  to  the 
exhibition  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  orchestra  rendered  a  concert,  which  was  appreciated  by 
all.  The  grand  illumination  commenced  a  few  minutes  after  8  o'clock  by  a  salute  of  bomb 
rockets,  followed  by  three  balloon  ascensions,  which  elicited  hearty  commendation. 
Among' the  set  pieces  were  "The  Tree  of  Liberty,"  "The  Sparkling  "Waterfall,"  "The 
Gatling  Battery,"  and  a  special  set  piece,  "Stratford,  1639—1889."  All  these  pieces  were 
very  elaborate  and  pleased  all  who  witnessed  them.  The  chief  display  was  a  special  set 
piece,  representing  the  old  Stratford  meeting-house  as  it  stood  on  "Watchhouse  Hill  in  1785. 
A  thunder-storm  arises  and  lightning  strikes  the  structure,  which  burns  to  the  ground. 
This  piece  was  especially  worthy  of  mention,  and  was  the  finest  display  of  pyrotechnics 
during  the  evening.  The  large  number  present  showed  their  appreciation  of  this  set  piece 
by  loud  and  repeated  cheers.  The  displays  were  too  numerous  to  enumerate,  but  suffice  it 
to  say  that  everything  on  the  programme  was  carried  out  in  good  shape. 

The  Consolidated  Road  were  the  recipients  of  many ,  well,  not  thanks,  for  the 

accommodations  afforded  the  visitors.  During  the  afternoon  nearly  every  train  left 
hundreds  behind,  and  in  the  evening  the  management  of  the  road  received  the  condemnation 
of  all.  A  special  train  of  twelve  cars  was  made  up  about  9  o'clock  and  loaded  within 
fifteen  minutes.  Notwithstanding  this,  the  cars  were  left  on  the  side  track  for  fully  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour  waiting  to  depart  homewards.  Several  started  home  on  foot,  disgusted 
with  the  service  of  the  road. 

"  Bridgeport  Standard,"  October  4,  1889. 

The  afternoon  and  evening  trains  to  Stratford  yesterday  swarmed  with  Bridgeporters, 
eager  to  see  the  old  town  celebrate.  At  7  o'clock,  when  the  curtain  rose  on  the  tableaux, 
Academy  Hill  was  black  with  people.  All  around  were  strings  of  lanterns,  which  gave  the 
scene  a  brilliant  effect.  A  huge  stage  was  erected  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  near  the 
Episcopal  Church.  The  crowd  on  the  hill  thus  obtained  an  excellent  view  of  the  pictures 
of  ancient  life,  which  were  accurately  and  beautifully  portrayed.  There  were  about  forty 
persons  engaged  in  the  tableaux,  all  attired  in  costumes  similar  to  those  worn  by  the  first 


144  STRATFORD'S  CELEBRATION. 

settlers  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago.  Glorianna  Folsom's  wedding  was  presented  in 
fine  shape,  and  brought  out  repeated  cheers.  In  this  picture  a  number  of  Stratford's 
prettiest  young  ladies  danced  a  minuet  arrayed  in  dresses  of  ancient  pattern.  The  trial  of 
the  witch;  the  wolf  hunt;  Washington  and  Lafayette;  going  to  church;  and  numerous 
other  character  representations  were  all  well  done,  and  showed  a  vast  amount  of  work  and 
preparation. 

During  the  progress  of  the  tableaux  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  band  rendered  an  artistic 
programme  of  music,  which  contained  many  popular  selections  of  the  day.  Suddenly  a 
rocket  whizzed  high  into  the  air  and  terminated  in  a  shower  of  colored  balls  of  fire.  Then 
another  and  another  rose,  shrieking  ominously.  Presently  a  huge  fire  balloon  started  off 
on  a  voyage  to  Milford.  Three  others  were  sent  up,  and  they  sailed  on  till  they  appeared 
to  be  fixed  stars  in  the  sky.  Several  fountains  of  fire  commenced  to  play,  and  the  sparks 
danced  merrily  up  and  seemed  to  be  thrown  out  in  big  handfuls.  Crowds  of  young  men 
shouted  "ab-h-h!"  at  each  fresh  exhibition,  and  well  they  might,  for  it  was  in  some 
respects  one  of  the  prettiest  and  liveliest  display  of  fireworks  that  ever  took  place  in  the 
Slate.  Bombs,  which  souDded  like  the  firing  of  cannon,  and  were  thrown  into  the  air  almost 
out  of  sight,  and  then  burst  into  fire,  descending  to  the  ground  in  a  golden  stream,  were 
loudly  applauded.  Flat  whizzing  pin-wheels,  sent  for  some  distance  into  the  air  and 
making  a  noise  like  an  express  train  off  the  track,  caused  much  amusement.  The  crowning 
point  was  reached  when  the  set-piece  representing  the  old  Stratford  meeting-house  struck 
by  lightning  was  fired  off.  The  outline  of  the  church  as  it  blazed  forth  in  colored  fire  was 
declared  to  be  a  perfect  representation  by  those  who  had  seen  pictures  of  the  building. 
The  firing  of  the  set-piece  containing  the  word  Stratford  closed  the  celebration. 

Then  commenced  the  rush  for  the  trains.  The  scene  at  the  depot  surprised  everybody. 
All  wanted  to  go  home  at  the  same  time.  The  regular  train  arrived  and  left  with  men 
hanging  on  by  their  heels,  but  the  crowd  did  not  seem  at  all  diminished.  Extra  trains 
were  sent  for  and  speedily  filled.  They  were  obliged  to  run  slow  in  order  to  give  the 
conductors  time  to  collect  the  tickets.  Finally  all  the  tired  Bridgeport  people  reached  home 
safely,  well  pleased  with  the  celebration,  its  triumphs  and  its  discomforts. 

It  is  estimated  that  there  were  10,000  people  in  Stratford  yesterday.  The  number 
registered  on  the  Loan  Collection  book  was  altogether  nearly  1,000. 

Among  the  distinguished  guests  in  Stratford  yesterday  were  Gen.  Samuel  W.  Johnson, 
Pierrepont  Edwards  Johnson,  Hon.  A.  B.  Tappen,  of  New  York ;  Mrs.  Joseph  R.  Hawley 
and  sister,  Lieut-Governor  Merwin,  Senator  Read,  ex-Mayor  Fones,  and  others. 

Bridgeport  "Evening  Farmer  ,n  October  3,  1889. 

The  day  of  Stratford's  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  dawned  clear  and  bright,  to 
the  delight  of  the  residents  of  the  ancient  town,  who  had  for  weeks  anticipated  the  event, 
which  was  expected  to  surpass  any  previous  celebration  that  had  occurred  in  the  place.  The 
air  was  cool  and  bracing,  and  taken  altogether  it  was  a  perfect  day  for  the  celebration.  At 
early  dawn  the  old  town  awoke  from  its  quietude,  and  people  were  bustling  about  to  com- 
plete the  arrangements  for  carryiug  out  the  programme  of  the  day.  Early  trains  brought 
numbers  of  visitors;  with  each  incoming  train  there  arrived  guests — men  in  uniform,  bands 
of  music,  drum  corps,  and  G.  A.  R  veterans.  The  streets  were  alive  with  people;  national 
airs  and  martial  music  resounded  from  all  portions  of  the  town ;  nearly  every  man  wore  a 
bright  colored  badge  fastened  to  the  lapel  of  his  coat,  and  the  women  were  attired  in  gala 
costume.  At  sunrise  a  salute  of  forty-two  guns  was  fired,  and  the  church  bells  rung  out  a 
merry  peal. 

The  decorations  are  universal,  and  surpass  all  previous  displays  and  private  expecta- 
tions. Every  private  residence  along  the  line  of  march  is  gayly  decked  with  red,  white, 
and  blue  bunting,  and  flags  float  from  the  windows.  The  decorations  of  some  of  the  private 
residences  are  elaborate,  while  every  public  building  is  in  gala  attire.  The  residence  of 
David  P.  Rhoades,  near  the  depot,  is  handsomely  dressed,  the  national  colors,  tastefully 
arranged,  being  displayed  from  every  available  portion  of  the  building.  The  Sterling  home- 
stead, a  handsome  stone  residence  on  Main  Street,  is  the  centre  of  another  fine  display. 
Among  other  buildings  profusely  decorated  are  the  Town  Hall,  the  Graded  School  building, 
W.  M.  Peck's  residence,  Congregational  and  Episcopal  Churches,  and  H.  J.  Lewis'  resi- 
dence. The  house  occupied  by  Judge  Robert  H.  Russell,  on  Main  Street,  was  built  in  1773, 
and  over  the  front  door  is  the  date.  Near  the  Episcopal  Church,  extending  across  Main 
Street,  is  an  arch  of  evergreen,  bearing  on  the  sides  the  dates,  1639  and  1889,  and  from  the 


stratford's  celebration.  145 

centre  is  suspended  a  large  flag.  Across  Broad  Street  are  several  streamers  of  flags.  Two 
large  flags  float  in  the  breeze  from  the  pinnacle  of  the  two  flag-poles  on  Maim  Street,  and 
from  each  pole,  extending  to  adjoining  buildings,  are  strings  of  flags  of  various  nations. 

A  feature  of  the  celebration  is  the  Loan  Exhibition  of  relics  in  the  Town  Hall,  and  the 
room  has  been  crowded  with  sight-seers  all  day.  Each  article  on  exhibition  is  numbered, 
and  a  catalogue  of  the  exhibition  is  furnished  which  explains  the  peculiar  point  of  interest 
of  everything  in  the  hall.  Large  crowds  from  Bridgeport  are  arriving  on  every  train,  and 
it  is  estimated  that  at  least  15,000  people  are  in  the  town. 

Governor  Bulkeley  and  staff,  and  General  Joseph  R.  Hawley,  who  were  expected  to  be 
present,  were  unable  to  come.  Both  Governor  Bulkeley  and  General  Hawley  are  in  Mon- 
treal with  the  First  Regiment  C.  N.  G.  General  Hawley  in  some  way  confused  the  dates 
of  the  celebration  and  of  the  trip  to  Montreal,  and  accepted  an  invitation  to  be  present,  but 
subsequently  sent  notice  that  he  could  not  come.  Lieut.  Governor  Merwin,  of  New  Haven, 
arrived  shortly  after  ten  o'clock. 

The  evening  features  of  the  Stratford  celebration  were  quite  as  successful  as  the  earlier 
parts  of  the  programme.  None  of  the  recent  celebrations  by  any  of  the  towns  of  the  State 
have  had  as  extensive  a  programme  as  that  carried  out  in  Stratford,  and  the  latter's  novelty 
in  many  respects  augmented  its  interest.  The  late  afternoon  trains  yesterday,  and  the  early 
eveniug  trains,  carried  immense  crowds  from  this  city  and  vicinity,  while  nearly  all  the 
residents  of  Milford  visited  their  neighbors  across  the  river  to  ascertain  if  they  could  equal 
Milford's  celebration.  They  found  that,  in  extensiveness  and  in  crowds,  the  occasion  far 
surpassed  Milford's  recent  efforts.  Between  six  and  seven  o'clock  an  immense  crowd  had 
gathered  at  the  depot  in  this  city,  and  the  trains  were  crowded,  even  to  the  lowest  step  of 
the  platforms.  Such  a  crowd  has  never  before  been  seen  in  the  old  town.  Every  street 
was  a  mass  of  shifting  people.  At  6.30  o'clock  last  evening  over  10,000  people  gathered  on 
Academy  Hill  to  witness  the  tableaux  and  fireworks,  and  to  hear  the  band  concert.  The 
triple  attractions  went  off  smoothly  and  grandly.  The  tableaux  reflected  great  credit  to 
the  ladies  of  Stratford,  who  worked  faithfully  to  make  them  a  success.  In  costuming, 
grouping,  ancient  accessories  of  various  kinds,  and  impressiveness  of  effect,  there  was  left 
nothing  to  be  desired.  The  selections  played  by  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Band  elicited  ap- 
plause, and  the  display  of  fireworks  was  grand. 

The  hospitality  shown  by  Stratford  residents  to  guests  could  not  have  been  more  uni- 
versal and  generous.  Mr.  David  P.  Rhoades,  whose  elegant  residence  was  one  of  the  most 
brilliantly  illuminated  last  evening,  entertained  a  large  number  of  guests,  including  all  the 
members  of  the  press.  David  L.  Rhoades  and  Wilfred  M.  Peck,  of  the  press  committee, 
were  active  in  making  it  agreeable  for  all  the  visiting  newspaper  men,  showing  them  all  the 
places  of  interest  in  the  old  town.  At  the  press  headquarters  was  served  a  collation,  and 
at  the  quarters  of  the  Cupheag  Club  a  lavish  entertainment  was  also  provided.  Sheriff 
Clarkson  had  as  guests  a  number  of  court  officials  and  his  deputy  sheriffs. 

A  number  of  pickpockets  worked  successfully  in  the  big  crowds  and  at  the  depot  late 
last  night  while  several  thousand  people  were  awaiting  trains.  Aaron  Belden,  of  New  Ha- 
ven,  was  robbed  of  a  pocket-book  containing  eight  dollars,  at  the  depot.  The  thief  snatched 
the  money  from  Belden  as  he  was  buying  a  ticket.  A.  man  named  G.  H.  Swan,  who  lives  on 
Pembroke  Street,  in  this  city,  was  robbed  of  a  valuable  gold  watch.  Swan  missed  his  watch 
while  standing  near  the  grand  stand,  listening  to  the  exercises  on  Academy  Hill.  His 
chain  was  haDging  from  his  vest.  Detective  Frank  Taylor  and  special  officer  Wilson,  of 
this  city,  were  on  duty  at  the  Loan  Exhibition,  and  prevented  several  suspicious  looking 
men  from  pilfering  in  the  Town  Hall  building. 

Upwards  of  10,000  were  carried  to  Stratford  yesterday  over  the  Consolidated  Road 
and,  all  things  considered,  the  service  was  very  well  performed.  Not  that  there  was  not 
a  great  deal  of  discomfort  from  crowding,  and  that  many  of  the  trains  could  not  take  on  all 
the  waiting  passengers,  but  altogether  most  people  were  accommodated,  and  the  transpor- 
tation of  the  great  throng  did  not  result  in  a  single  accident.  Such  trouble  as  there  was 
arose  from  the  fact  that  the  railroad  officials  did  not  give  Stratford  credit  for  the  power  of 
attracting  a  multitude,  and  consequently  made  very  inadequate  provisions  for  the  rush.  In 
place  of  the  hundreds  they  had  provided  for  there  were  thousands,  and  the  large  additional 
facilities  which  the  situation  called  for  had  to  be  furnished  off-hand.  Only  one  special 
train  from  each  way  was  arranged.  A  dozen  or  more  were  run  from  this  city  as  the  need 
of  them  became  apparent,  but  most  of  these  during  all  day  did  not  carry  anything  like  their 
full  capacity,  because,  through  lack  of  time  to  be  advertised,  the  public  did  not  know  of 
them.  To  furnish  such  extra  cars  as  could  be  pressed  into  service  kept  Station  Agent  Hunt 
on  the  hustle.     He  obtained  permission  from  headquarters  to  have  several  express  trains, 


146  stratford's  celebration. 

including  the  White  Mountain  and  the  through  Naugatuck  trains,  stop  at  Stratford,  and  thus 
helped  relieve  the  pressure.  It  was  further  relieved  by  detaching  from  through  down 
trains  every  car  that  was  not  occupied.  Nevertheless  there  was  considerable  crowding, 
many  of  the  trains  leaving  this  city  with  people  packed  on  the  platforms  and  in  the  aisles 
like  swarming  bees.  Fortunately,  the  run  was  so  short  that  the  ordeal  of  standing  was 
not  prolonged. 

Tickets  for  Stratford  ran  out  at  the  office  here  as  early  as  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
and  after  that  Naugatuck  Junction  tickets  were  used.  The  trains  of  from  twelve  to  eighteen 
cars  had  two  conductors  aboard,  but  they  had  time  to  punch  only  a  small  part  of  the 
tickets.  In  the  evening  special  trains  were  kept  running  steadily  between  this  city  and 
Stratford,  and  about  eleven  o'clock  the  last  of  the  homeward-bound  crowd  had  been 
delivered  at  the  depot  here. 

Bridgeport  u  Evening  Post,"  October  3,  1889. 

Fortune  smiles  on  old  Stratford  to-day,  for  if  those  who  have  the  celebration  and 
dedication  of  the  soldiers'  monument  in  charge  had  been  given  the  privilege  of  selecting 
such  a  day  as  desired  they  could  not  have  chosen  better  or  decided  upon  w.eather  that 
would  have  been  more  favorable  in  every  respect. 

It  is  the  greatest  day  for  Stratford  that  the  present  residents  of  that  ancient  town  have 
ever  known,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  none  of  them  will  ever  again  know  such  a  day  there. 

The  people  of  the  old  town  were  astir  early  and,  of  course,  the  first  thought  was 
"  the  weather,  what  is  the  day  going  to  be?  "  "When  they  looked  out  and  saw  the  pros- 
pect they  were  delighted  and  those  religiously  inclined  gave  utterance  to  their  thanks 
in  a  manner  somewhat  different  from  the  way  many  others  expressed  their  pleasure. 

At  sunrise  the  chur>;h  bells  were  rung  and  there  was  also  a  salute  of  42  guns,  one  for 
each  State.  These  ceremonies  completed,  preparations  for  the  big  events  of  the  day,  which 
were  to  come  later,  began  to  be  made.  They  were  the  final  preparations,  however,  for 
about  all  preparations  that  could  be  made  beforehand  were  completed  before  the  sun  went 
down  last  night  and  there  remained  but  very  little  to  be  done. 

Last  night  the  town  was  full  of  visitors,  many  of  whom  had  come  from  a  long  dis- 
tance to  be  present  at  the  first  of  the  celebration  exercises.  The  early  trains  this  morning 
brought  more  and  from  all  directions  by  every  known  method  of  conveyance,  except 
electricity,  they  came  and  came  until  the  town  was  full  to  overflowing.  There  were  old 
and  young,  of  all  classes  and  conditions  in  life,  and  the  utmost  good  nature  prevailed  on 
all  sides.  The  expression  on  many  a  countenance  might  be  interpreted  as  reading  "Strat- 
ford is  having  a  celebration  to-day.  I  am  here  and  expect  to  do  my  part  towards  enjoying 
it  myself  and  making  it  as  pleasant  as  possible  for  others." 

With  such  a  spirit  prevailing  how  could  the  occasion  fail  of  being  a  success.  In  all 
such  events  much  depends  upon  the  way  the  people  feel  towards  them.  If  they  realize 
what  they  mean  and  calmly  consider  that  the  events  are  not  alone  those  of  the  day,  but 
that  they  extend  back  over  periods  of  centuries  and  commemorate  deeds  of  statemanship 
and  valor,  and  also  are  to  have  an  influence  for  good  on  the  present  and  future,  then  does 
the  celebration  become  a  success,  because  it  has  a  meaning  which  can  be  comprehended 
by  all  who  have  arrived  at  that  age  when  they  are  able  to  judge,  think  and  act  for  them- 
selves. This  comprehension  seems  to  be  uppermost  in  Stratford  to-day  and  it  is  good  for 
the  people  of  that  place  and  good  for  their  visitors. 

At  the  Town  Hall  there  is  a  very  large  collection  of  relics  loaned  by  the  residents  of 
Stratford. 

The  town  is  decorated  in  'a  most  elaborate  manner.  All  of  the  historic  houses  are 
appropriately  decorated  and  marked  with  dates  of  their  building  in  large  figures.  The 
residence  of  David  P.  Rhoades,  the  headquarters  of  distinguished  guests,  was  noticeable 
for  the  elegant  display. 

It  would  be  an  impossible  task  to  describe  all  of  the  places  decorated,  for  the  humblest 
to  the  finest  dwelling  were  all  noticeable  and  all  had  something  to  show  in  honor  of  the 
great  day. 

About  1,200  members  of  the  various  organizations  participated  in  the  procession  and 
all  made  an  excellent  appearance.  The  members  of  the  Cupheag  Club  made  the  best 
appearance  of  any  organization  in  line.  They  were  dressed  in  Indian  costume  and  rode  on 
horseback.  On  a  float  drawn  by  four  horses  was  a  wigwam  and  canoe.  The  Cupheags 
also  attracted  attention  by  their  Indian  yells. 


Stratford's  celebration.  147 

It  is  estimated  that  there  are  at  least  15,000  people  in  the  old  town  to-day  and  most 
of  the  visitors  will  remain  to-night  to  see  the  fireworks  and  tableaux,  which  will  be  a 
grand  display. 

Bridgeport,  Hartford,  Newtown,  Norwalk  and  New  Haven  papers  were  represented  by 
reporters. 

The  press  committee  had  a  room  on  the  second  floor  of  the  Town  Hall  building  for 
reporters.  After  the  parade,  Chairman  Peck  invited  the  pencil  pushers  to  the  room  in 
which  was  a  long  table  filled  with  eatables  and  two  large  bowls,  one  at  each  end. 

Newtown  "Bee,"  October  4,  1889. 

Old  Stratford's  250th  birthday  was  brightly  beautiful  overhead  and  gloriously  cele- 
brated by  citizen  and  guest.  Fully  10,000  people  crowded  into  the  village  by  rail  and 
private  conveyance,  vastly  different  from  the  little  company  of  seventeen  families  that 
accompanied  Rev.  Adam  Blakeman  there  from  Wethersfield  in  1639  and  settled  about 
their  first  church  in  Sandy  Hollow.  But,  great  as  was  the  throng  of  Thursday,  it  could 
not  overtax  the  royal  hospitality  of  generous  citizens  and  was  easily  handled  and  accom- 
modated in  wide,  shady  streets  and  upon  Academy  Hill,  in  the  midst  of  which  stands 
the  new  soldiers'  monument.  The  only  flaw  in  the  programme  was  that  Stratford  should 
have  tried  to  crowd  two  such  important  events  as  the  quarto-millennial  of  its  history  and 
an  enduring  tribute  to  its  patriot  dead  into  one  brief  day.  Each  was  worthy  of  a  day 
and  celebration  all  its  own. 

Never  was  village  gayer  with  flags  and  bunting,  every  house,  with  hardly  an  excep- 
tion, makiug  a  brave  exhibition  of  red,  white  and  blue.  Spots  of  historical  moment  were 
indicated  by  small  signs  giving  brief  particulars.  The  quadruple  procession,  Col.  Selah 
G.  Blakeman,  marshal,  started  about  11  o'clock,  and  was  a  half  hour  in  passing  a  given 
point.  Col.  Watson  and  his  Fourth  Regiment  boys  led  the  van,  escorted  by  the  Wheeler 
&  Wilson  band,  and  followed  by  Lieut.-G-ov.  Merwin  and  other  distinguished  guests  in  car- 
riages. The  second  division  included  the  Grand  Army  veterans,  fast  growing  grizzled 
and  gray,  and  the  younger  "  Sons  of  Veterans."  The  suits  of  several  of  the  drum  corps 
were  very  fine.  The  firemen  were  next  in  line,  followed  by  a  company  of  uniformed  Strat- 
ford boys,  drawing  a  miniature  fire  engiue  of  ancient  pattern.  The  fourth  division  was 
composed  of  Odd  Fellows  and  other  organizations,  with  the  Cupheag  Club  rigged  out  as 
savage  red  men. 

Arriving  at  Academy  Hill,  Stiles  Judson,  Jr.,  presided  as  master  of  ceremonies  on  the 
stand  put  up  south  of  the  monument.  Rev.  Mr.  Ives  led  in  prayer,  after  which  the  monu- 
ment, presented  by  H.  P.  Stagg  and  accepted  by  Mr.  Judson,  was  turned  over  to  Com- 
mander W.  H.  Pierpont,  of  the  State  Department  of  the  Grand  Army,  whose  crutches  were 
eloquent  tributes  to  patriotic  service.  Commander  Pierpont  and  his  associate  department 
officers  formally  dedicated  the  monument  according  to  the  prescribed  ritual,  and  then  Rev. 
I.  M.  Foster,  of  New  York,  gave  the  most  eloquent  address  of  the  day.  He  pictured  the 
success  of  the  Union  cause  as  a  vindication  to  the  world,  especially  the  Old  World  mon- 
archs,  that  Democracy  had  passed  through  the  severest  trial  and  stood  the  test. 

The  security  of  the  individual  man  and  of  the  common  people  had  been  unalterably 
established,  but  the  victory  won  must  be  preserved.  Virtue  is  the  life  blood  of  freedom, 
while  vice  ruins  any  nation  ;  and  it  is  along  this  line  that  our  enemies  are  now  to  be  met 
and  battled  with.  Frequent  applause  greeted  the  speaker,  and  his  stories  brought  down 
the  house. 

The  Grand  Army  boys  were  given  their  innings  first,  and  held  the  field  until  3  o'clock, 
the  hour  set  for  the  other  part  of  the  twin  celebration,  the  250th  birthday;  the  quarto- 
millennial  was  postponed  until  the  hungry  crowds  could  be  fed,  which  gave  Bridgeport 
papers  a  chance  to  sell  reports  of  the  speeches  on  the  streets  of  the  city  before  they  were 
delivered  iu  Stratford. 

It  was  about  4  o'clock  when  the  afternoon  programme  began.  Rev.  C.  L.  Pardee 
offered  prayer,  and  B.  T.  Fairchild,  a  New  York  wholesale  merchant,  and  Rev.  G.  W. 
Judson,  of  Orange,  Mass.,  spoke  for  their  native  Stratford.  The  historical  address  par 
excellence  was  given  by  Curtis  Thompson,  Bridgeport's  attorney,  whose  early  home  was  in 
Stratford.  His  oration  extolled  the  sturdy  virtues  of  the  Puritan,  with  its  especial 
development  in  the  goodly  land  of  Cupheag,  from  which  have  been  set  off  Huntington  in 
1789,  Trumbull  in  1797,  Bridgeport  in  1821,  which  also  gobbled  up  West  Stratford  this 
year,  Monroe  being  set  off  from  Huntington  in  1823.    Stratford  belonged  to  the  Connecticut, 


]48  Stratford's  celebration. 

not  the  New  Haven  colony,  and  its  land  was  taken  from  the  Indians  by  Connecticut  as  a 
trophy  of  the  successful  Pequot  war.  Many  in  the  past  have  testified  to  the  charms  of 
Stratford,  which  is  still  a  happy  village,  with  "a  marked  equality  and  high  average  of 
moral  and  intellectual  manhood;  homes  of  comfort  and  peace,  of  plain  living  and  deep 
thinking,  in  which  few  are  very  rich  or  very  poor,  and  a  people  interested  in  public 
affairs."  Gen.  Hawley  was  unable  to  be  present,  although  his  name  was  placed  on  the 
programme. 

The  tableaux  in  the  evening  were  in  charge  of  Principal  Peck  and  R.  H.  Russell,  Esq., 
and  were  shown  near  the  Episcopal  Church.  There  were  eight  of  them,  all  founded  on  the 
early  history  of  the  town.  The  arrival  of  Rev.  Adam  Blakeman  and  his  flock  of  sixty-five 
persons  was  the  subject  of  the  first ;  then  they  were  shown  trading  with  the  Indians,  and 
going  to  church  with  gun  and  foot-stove.  The  trial  of  Goody  Bassett,  Stratford's  witch, 
was  the  subject  of  the  fourth  tableaux.  Moses  Wheeler's  ferry  across  the  Housatonic 
River  came  next,  and  then  the  wolf  hunt  of  1693,  at  which  time  the  town  paid  three 
shillings  a  day  for  man  and  horse  to  hunt  them.  The  visit  of  Washington  and  Lafayette 
to  Stratford  illustrated  the  Revolutionary  period,  and  the  marriage  of  Gloriana  Folsom, 
beautiful  daughter  of  Stratford's  blacksmith,  who  captured  the  heart  of  a  Scot  and  became 
Lady  Sterling.  Many  of  the  costumes  were  prepared  with  great  attention  to  detail,  and 
made  a  beautiful  effect.  There  were  forty  numbers  on  the  fireworks  programme,  and 
these,  with  the  general  use  of  Japanese  lanterns  about  the  streets,  painted  the  town  red 
for  a  fact. 

The  Loan  Exhibition  on  the  lower  floor  of  the  Town  Hall  was  rich  in  interest  to  the 
historian  and  antiquarian.  Here  were  shown,  around  the  sides  of  the  hall  arid  in  glass 
cases  in  its  centre,  portraits  and  paintings  of  "  ye  olden  time,"  silverware,  a  piano  100 
years  old,  the  spinning  and  flax  wheels,  the  table  at  which  Washington  ate  at  Benjamin's 
tavern,  the  sideboard  of  solid  English  oak  brought  from  England  by  the  Judson  family  in 
1639,  a  wooden  plow  owned  by  Freeman  L.  Curtis,  a  carving  knife  that  came  over  in  the 
Mayflower,  and  ever  so  many  more.  It  was  a  very  complete  and  exceedingly  interesting 
display,  and  drew  forth  warm  words  of  praise  from  the  throngs  who  crowded  to  see  it. 

"  New  Haven  Journal  and  Courier  ?  October  4,  1889. 

Another  of  the  old  Continental  towns  celebrated  its  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  birthday 
yesterday.  It  was  Stratford.  The  old  town  was  dressed  in  the  gayest  attire  which  it  has 
been  in  for  many  a  year  to  mark  the  notable  event ;  and  to  say  that  the  natives  of  Strat- 
ford were  proud  of  their  town  and  the  way  in  which  it  welcomed  its  thousands  of  guests 
is  to  say  but  very  little.  Flags  were  flying  from  numbers  of  flag-poles,  and  as  the  incom- 
ing trains  wheeled  into  the  town  with  their  heavy  burdens,  the  visitors  beheld  a  mass  of 
bunting,  flags,  and  decorations  of  all  kinds  upon  every  hand.  The  weather  was  delight- 
fully pleasant,  and  everything  promised  happily  for  the  old  town's  celebration  and  dedica- 
tion of  her  bran-new  soldiers'  and  sailors'  monument.  Every  train  was  crowded,  and  the 
number  of  people  who  visited  the  town  during  the  day  is  placed  as  high  as  15,000. 

The  streets  about  the  new  monument  near  the  centre  of  the  town  were  thronged  with 
promenaders.  The  monument  itself  stood  veiled  in  the  stars  and  stripes.  The  old  Judson 
homestead  opposite,  probably  the  oldest  in  Stratford,  as  it  dates  back  to  1723,  was  gaily 
adorned.  The  Leavitt  homestead  was  a  mass  of  red,  white  and  blue.  The  Town  Hall,  Con- 
gregational Church,  School  building,  and  Post-Office  were  prettily  decorated.  Nearly  all  of 
the  private  residences  were  likewise  adorned.  Among  those  most  noticeable  were  the 
residences  of  David  P.  Rhoades,  where  Lieut. -Governor  S.  E.  Merwin  was  entertained; 
Henry  J.  Lewis,  Esq.;  Mr.  Bunnell,  of  Lambert  &  Bunnell,  Bridgeport;  Judge  Russell; 
Hon.  Frederick  A.  Benjamin ;  Perry  homestead,  1759  ;  an  old  house,  1717.  Deputy  Sheriff 
Charles  B.  Curtis'  residence  was  buried  in  patriotic  colors. 

By  the  time  the  procession  was  ready  to  start  at  half-past  ten  the  streets  were  a  mov- 
ing throng  of  spectators.  The  paraders  marched  through  the  town  and  reached  the  monu- 
ment about  one  o'clock. 

There  were  nearly  1,500  paraders  in  line.  A  salute  of  thirteen  guns  was  fired  at 
noon.  Immediately  after  the  arrival  of  the  parade  at  Academy  Hill,  the  exercises  of 
unveiling  the  monument  began.  The  troops  formed  a  hollow  square,  with  the  Grand 
Army  in  the  centre.  The  Wheeler  &  Wilson  band  played  a  selection,  Rev.  Joel  S.  Ives 
offered  prayer,  and  H.  P.  Stagg,  Esq.,  presented  the  monument  to  the  town. 

The  flag  which  veiled  the  monument  was  then  drawn  aside  by  Miss  Georgiana  Thomp- 


Stratford's  celebration.  149 

son  and  Miss  Mary  E.  Wilcoxson.  The  impressive  services  of  the  dedication  were  then 
conducted  by  General  William  H.  Pierrepont,  Commander  of  Department  of  Connecticut, 
G.  A.  R. 

Rev.  I.  M.  Foster,  of  New  York  (late  of  New  Haven),  delivered  the  address. 

Mr.  Foster's  address  was  at  times  very  eloquent  and  inspiring,  and  aroused  much 
enthusiasm.  He  also  interspersed  several  well-told  and  amusing  anecdotes  that  illustrated 
his  point  very  effectively,  and  were  received  with  a  big  outburst  of  applause  and  merriment 
from  the  large  concourse  of  people  present.  He  spoke  vigorously  over  half  an  hour,  and 
closely  held  the  attention  of  his  audience. 

The  exercises  closed  with  the  hymn  "  America,"  the  "Wheeler  &  Wilson  band  accom- 
panying. An  elaborate  collation  was  then  given  the  visitors  in  a  large  tent  a  short  distance 
from  the  speaker's  stand,  and  at  three  o'clock  the  afternoon  programme  began.  Rev. 
Charles  L.  Pardee,  of  Christ  Church,  Stratford,  offered  prayer,  and  Stiles  Judson,  Jr., 
President  of  the  day,  made  an  address  of  welcome. 

B.  T.  Fairchild,  Esq.,  of  New  York,  spoke  of  the  character  and  purpose  of  the  early 
colonists,  who  grounded  their  work  so  well. 

Rev.  G.  W.  Judson,  of  Orange,  Mass.,  followed  with  a  short  address.  The  remarks  of 
Curtis  Thompson,  Esq.,  were  extended  and  full  of  interest.  He  gave  a  good  review  of 
Stratford's  history. 

General  Joseph  R.  Hawley  was  to  be  the  next  speaker,  but  he  was  not  present,  and 
Lieutenant-Governor  Merwin  spoke  briefly.  He  congratulated  the  old  town  upon  its  happy 
anniversary  and  upon  the  elegant  tribute  to  the  soldier  and  sailor  dead  which  now  stands 
upon  Academy  Hill. 

Afier  the  exercises  were  over,  the  crowds  that  lingered  in  the  town  scattered  here  and 
there.  Every  train  was  bringing  hundreds  of  visitors  to  swell  the  throng,  and  the  evening 
display  was  made  the  most  beautiful  and  brilliant  event  of  the  celebration.  Nearly  every 
house  in  the  town  was  hung  and  lighted  with  Chinese  lanterns.  All  sorts  of  novel  devices 
were  used  to  make  everything  pretty  and  attractive.  At  half-past  six  o'clock  the  pro- 
gramme began  by  a  band  concert.  Between  the  pieces  rendered  was  given  a  series  of 
interesting  and  remarkable  tableaux.  They  consisted  of  representations  of  old-time  life  and 
incidents  connected  with  the  early  history  of  the  town.  They  illustrated  the  arrival  of  the 
first  settlers  in  1639;  trading  with  the  Indians ;  going  to  church  250  years  ago;  trial  of 
Goody  Bassett  for  witchcraft  in  1650:  Moses  Wheeler's  ferry,  1653;  the  wolf  hunt  of 
1693;  the  visit  of  Washington  and  Lafayette  during  the  revolutionary  war;  the  wedding 
of  Glorianna  Folsom  to  John  Sterling  in  1771. 

At  8  o'clock  there  was  a  brilliant  display  of  fireworks.  The  crowds  gathered  about 
the  brightly-lighted  park  and  watched  the  display  with  great  interest.  Forty  pieces  were 
exhibited.  The  prettiest  of  these  were  the  balloon  ascensions,  "  Sparkling  Waterfall," 
"  The  Tree  of  Liberty,"  "  Gatling  Battery,"  "Chinese  Brilliant,"  "Old  Stratford  Meeting- 
house as  it  stood  on  Watch  House  Hill  in  1785,"  in  which  a  thunder  storm  arose  and  light- 
ning struck  the  structure,  which  was  quickly  in  flames.  The  closing  piece  was  inscribed, 
"1639 — Stratford — 1889."  Over  it  was  sent  a  simultaneous  flight  of  colored  rockets,  form- 
ing a  vast  aerial* bouquet.  This  ended  old  Stratford's  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  birthday 
celebration  and  the  dedication  of  her  soldiers'  and  sailors'  monument.  The  crowds  then 
flocked  to  the  trains,  and  the  depot  presented  a  scene  of  crowding  and  hurrying  which  beg- 
gars description. 


JOTTINGS. 


The  Admiral  Foote  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  delegation  of  New  Haven,  numbering  twenty  men, 
rode  in  a  large  carryall  in  the  procession.  The  route  was  estimated  at  about  four  miles  in 
length.  Mr.  Dickinson,  janitor  at  the  post-office,  was  in  charge  of  the  delegation.  All  re- 
port a  fine  time  and  much  satisfaction  with  the  trip  and  celebration.  All  the  visiting  dele- 
gations commended  the  collation,  which  was  ample  and  inviting. 

Henry  C.  Merwin  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  delegation  of  New  Haven,  was  under  the  command 
of  Commander  Thomas  E.  Twitchell. 

Among  the  New  Haven  people  at  the  celebration  other  than  those  in  line  were  Capt. 
Charles  H.  Townshend ;  Mr.  Fairchild,  the  coal  dealer,  and  wife ;  Mr.  Joseph  B.  Manville] 


150  stkatford's  celebration. 

the  carriage  manufacturer,  and  wife;  Lyman  M.  Law,  Mrs.  Toes  and  daughter,  Sexton 
Smith,  of  Center  Church  ;  H.  H.  Peck,  the  bookseller,  and  brother,  and  a  few  others. 

Lieut.-Governor  Merwin  was  much  pleased  with  the  celebration,  and  highly  commended 
the  public  spirit  manifested  by  old  Stratford's  people. 

The  depot  ticket  office  at  Stratford  never  had  a  bigger  rush  of  business  than  that  of 
yesterday  in  the  memory  of  the  oldest  inhabitants. 

The  fakirs  and  peddlers  had  a  harvest  time,  and  one  energetic  street  peddler  sold  many 
watches  and  chains  at  twenty-five  cents  for  the  chain,  and  the  watch  thrown  in  free.  He 
sold  a  number  to  New  Haven  Grand  Army  men,  who  brought  them  home  to  give  the 
children. 

Before  closing,  mention  should  be  made  of  the  exhibit  in  the  Town  Hall,  where  was 
an  elaborate  display  of  relics  of  olden  times  which  had  been  loaned  by  residents  of  the 
town.  It  was  crowded  with  sightseers  all  through  the  day.  Many  of  the  visitors  registered 
their  names  in  a  book  for  that  purpose,  and  many  hundreds  of  signatures  were  obtained. 


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